Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rome, GA (2024 Update)
- Rome Solar Installation Cost: $18,217
- 25-Year Savings: $22,331
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rome
We go over average solar pricing in Rome.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rome, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rome is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,217 for a solar installation, or $26,050 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rome homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Rome for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rome
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,624 |
| 3 years | $-13,438 |
| 5 years | $-10,251 |
| 7 years | $-7,065 |
| 9 years | $-3,878 |
| 11 years | $-692 |
| 13 years | $2,495 |
| 15 years | $5,681 |
| 17 years | $8,868 |
| 19 years | $12,054 |
| 21 years | $15,241 |
| 23 years | $18,427 |
| 25 years | $21,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Rome
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Rome, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Rome
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rome
While the average cost of a solar system in Rome is $18,217, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,740.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rome average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 has 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 | $13,629 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,591 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,762 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,142 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,733 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $40,532 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $46,541 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $52,759 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Rome, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rome?
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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rome?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rome. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rome?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.