Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hiram, GA (2024 Update)
- Hiram Solar Installation Cost: $18,042
- 25-Year Savings: $20,712
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hiram
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Hiram.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hiram it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $18,042 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hiram can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hiram
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,449 |
| 3 years | $-13,263 |
| 5 years | $-10,076 |
| 7 years | $-6,890 |
| 9 years | $-3,703 |
| 11 years | $-517 |
| 13 years | $2,670 |
| 15 years | $5,856 |
| 17 years | $9,043 |
| 19 years | $12,229 |
| 21 years | $15,416 |
| 23 years | $18,602 |
| 25 years | $21,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Hiram
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Hiram
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hiram
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 Hiram to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hiram homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hiram is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $12,406 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,960 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,723 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,696 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,879 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,271 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,872 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $48,683 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Hiram, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hiram?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hiram?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hiram, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 long do solar panels last in Hiram?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.