Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Oaks, GA (2024 Update)
- Fair Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $22,094
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Oaks
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fair Oaks.
The average cost of solar panels in Fair Oaks is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,998 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fair Oaks can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Fair Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fair Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,405 |
| 3 years | $-13,218 |
| 5 years | $-10,032 |
| 7 years | $-6,846 |
| 9 years | $-3,659 |
| 11 years | $-473 |
| 13 years | $2,714 |
| 15 years | $5,900 |
| 17 years | $9,087 |
| 19 years | $12,273 |
| 21 years | $15,460 |
| 23 years | $18,646 |
| 25 years | $21,833 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Oaks
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Fair Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Oaks
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fair Oaks: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,740. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fair Oaks to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,656 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,627 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,808 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,198 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,797 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $40,606 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $46,624 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $52,852 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fair Oaks, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Oaks?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fair Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fair Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.