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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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.The average Fort Valley homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,155 with the federal tax credit, or $24,532 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Valley find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Fort Valley, you can 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 decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Fort Valley, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Valley, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 stuff like the model 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 are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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 long do solar panels last in Fort Valley?
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 amount 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.