Solar Panel Cost Guide in Macon–Bibb County, GA (2024 Update)
- Macon–Bibb County Solar Installation Cost: $17,243
- 25-Year Savings: $23,472
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Macon–Bibb County
We go over average solar pricing in Macon–Bibb County.
In Macon–Bibb County, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Macon–Bibb County, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,243, or $24,657 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Macon–Bibb County can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Macon–Bibb County
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,650 |
| 3 years | $-12,464 |
| 5 years | $-9,277 |
| 7 years | $-6,091 |
| 9 years | $-2,904 |
| 11 years | $282 |
| 13 years | $3,469 |
| 15 years | $6,655 |
| 17 years | $9,842 |
| 19 years | $13,028 |
| 21 years | $16,215 |
| 23 years | $19,401 |
| 25 years | $22,588 |
Top Solar Installers in Macon–Bibb County
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
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 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 Macon–Bibb County
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Macon–Bibb County
For many Macon–Bibb County homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Macon–Bibb County, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Macon–Bibb County.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Macon–Bibb County, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Macon–Bibb County, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 major players.
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 | $15,756 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $21,426 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $27,307 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $33,396 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $39,695 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $46,204 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $52,922 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $59,849 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are 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 Macon–Bibb County, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Macon–Bibb County?
The average cost of solar panels in Macon–Bibb County 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Macon–Bibb County?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.