Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elberton, GA (2024 Update)
- Elberton Solar Installation Cost: $17,359
- 25-Year Savings: $24,005
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elberton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Elberton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elberton it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Elberton, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,359, or $24,823 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Elberton homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elberton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,766 |
| 3 years | $-12,579 |
| 5 years | $-9,393 |
| 7 years | $-6,207 |
| 9 years | $-3,020 |
| 11 years | $166 |
| 13 years | $3,353 |
| 15 years | $6,539 |
| 17 years | $9,726 |
| 19 years | $12,912 |
| 21 years | $16,099 |
| 23 years | $19,285 |
| 25 years | $22,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Elberton
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Elberton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elberton
For many Elberton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Elberton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Elberton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Elberton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Elberton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,095 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $21,879 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $27,873 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $34,076 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $40,488 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $47,110 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $53,941 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $60,982 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Elberton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elberton?
The average cost of solar panels in Elberton is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,081.06 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Elberton?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.