Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Valley, GA (2024 Update)
- Fort Valley Solar Installation Cost: $17,155
- 25-Year Savings: $23,604
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Valley.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Valley generally cost around 4.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Fort Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $17,155 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fort Valley homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Valley find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Valley
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,561 |
3 years | $-12,375 |
5 years | $-9,188 |
7 years | $-6,002 |
9 years | $-2,816 |
11 years | $371 |
13 years | $3,557 |
15 years | $6,744 |
17 years | $9,930 |
19 years | $13,117 |
21 years | $16,303 |
23 years | $19,490 |
25 years | $22,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Valley
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Fort Valley, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Valley
For many Fort Valley homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Fort Valley.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fort Valley homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Valley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $15,987 | 12.6 years |
8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $21,735 | 12.4 years |
10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $27,692 | 12.1 years |
12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $33,859 | 11.9 years |
14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $40,235 | 11.7 years |
16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $46,821 | 11.4 years |
18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $53,616 | 11.2 years |
20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $60,620 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Valley, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Valley 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fort Valley?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.