Solar Panel Cost Guide in Social Circle, GA (2024 Update)
- Social Circle Solar Installation Cost: $17,515
- 25-Year Savings: $20,356
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Social Circle
We break down average solar pricing in Social Circle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Social Circle it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Social Circle, the average price of going solar will be about $17,515 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Social Circle homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Social Circle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Social Circle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,922 |
| 3 years | $-12,735 |
| 5 years | $-9,549 |
| 7 years | $-6,362 |
| 9 years | $-3,176 |
| 11 years | $11 |
| 13 years | $3,197 |
| 15 years | $6,383 |
| 17 years | $9,570 |
| 19 years | $12,756 |
| 21 years | $15,943 |
| 23 years | $19,129 |
| 25 years | $22,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Social Circle
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Social Circle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Social Circle
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Social Circle average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Social Circle homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Social Circle, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 larger 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 | $12,630 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,258 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,097 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,144 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,401 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,868 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,544 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,429 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Social Circle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about 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 Social Circle, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Social Circle?
The average cost of solar panels in Social Circle is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Social Circle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.