Solar Panel Cost Guide in Folkston, GA (2024 Update)
- Folkston Solar Installation Cost: $16,729
- 25-Year Savings: $24,708
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Folkston
We go over average solar pricing in Folkston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Folkston it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Folkston is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,729 for a solar installation, or $23,922 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Folkston homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Folkston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Folkston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,136 |
| 3 years | $-11,950 |
| 5 years | $-8,763 |
| 7 years | $-5,577 |
| 9 years | $-2,390 |
| 11 years | $796 |
| 13 years | $3,983 |
| 15 years | $7,169 |
| 17 years | $10,356 |
| 19 years | $13,542 |
| 21 years | $16,728 |
| 23 years | $19,915 |
| 25 years | $23,101 |
Top Solar Installers in Folkston
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Folkston, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Folkston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Folkston
Although the average cost of a solar system in Folkston is $16,729, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Folkston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Folkston, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Folkston know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $17,573 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $23,850 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $30,336 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $37,031 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $43,936 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $51,050 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $58,374 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $65,907 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Folkston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Folkston, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Folkston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Folkston?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Folkston, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Folkston have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.