Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeview, GA (2024 Update)
- Lakeview Solar Installation Cost: $18,325
- 25-Year Savings: $18,717
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeview
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lakeview.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lakeview is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lakeview is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,325 for a solar installation, or $26,205 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Lakeview for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lakeview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,946 |
| 3 years | $-14,187 |
| 5 years | $-11,428 |
| 7 years | $-8,670 |
| 9 years | $-5,911 |
| 11 years | $-3,152 |
| 13 years | $-394 |
| 15 years | $2,365 |
| 17 years | $5,124 |
| 19 years | $7,882 |
| 21 years | $10,641 |
| 23 years | $13,400 |
| 25 years | $16,158 |
Top Solar Installers in Lakeview
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lakeview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeview
For many Lakeview homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lakeview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Lakeview.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lakeview, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lakeview, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,417 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $14,309 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $18,410 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $22,720 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $27,239 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $31,969 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $36,907 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $42,055 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands 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 carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 Lakeview, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lakeview?
The average cost of solar panels in Lakeview 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lakeview?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lakeview, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.