Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Oglethorpe, GA (2024 Update)
- Fort Oglethorpe Solar Installation Cost: $18,325
- 25-Year Savings: $19,495
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Oglethorpe
We go over average solar pricing in Fort Oglethorpe.
In Fort Oglethorpe, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $18,325 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fort Oglethorpe can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Oglethorpe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,839 |
| 3 years | $-13,866 |
| 5 years | $-10,894 |
| 7 years | $-7,921 |
| 9 years | $-4,948 |
| 11 years | $-1,976 |
| 13 years | $997 |
| 15 years | $3,969 |
| 17 years | $6,942 |
| 19 years | $9,914 |
| 21 years | $12,887 |
| 23 years | $15,860 |
| 25 years | $18,832 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Oglethorpe
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Fort Oglethorpe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Oglethorpe
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fort Oglethorpe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Oglethorpe to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,085 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $15,198 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $19,522 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $24,054 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $28,796 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $33,748 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $38,909 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $44,279 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Fort Oglethorpe, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Oglethorpe?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Oglethorpe is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Oglethorpe?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.