Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marietta, GA (2024 Update)
- Marietta Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $22,110
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marietta
We go over average solar pricing in Marietta.
In Marietta, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Marietta, the average price of going solar will be about $17,998 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marietta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,441 |
| 3 years | $-13,325 |
| 5 years | $-10,210 |
| 7 years | $-7,095 |
| 9 years | $-3,980 |
| 11 years | $-865 |
| 13 years | $2,250 |
| 15 years | $5,365 |
| 17 years | $8,480 |
| 19 years | $11,596 |
| 21 years | $14,711 |
| 23 years | $17,826 |
| 25 years | $20,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Marietta
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various 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 Marietta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marietta
Though the average cost of a solar system in Marietta is $17,998, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Marietta, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Marietta offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Marietta is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 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 | $13,670 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,645 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,830 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,225 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,828 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $40,642 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $46,664 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $52,897 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Marietta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marietta?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Marietta?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Marietta. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.