Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Fulton, GA (2024 Update)
- South Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $21,630
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Fulton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Fulton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Fulton generally cost about 4.The average South Fulton homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,801 with the federal tax credit, or $25,455 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in South Fulton based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in South Fulton can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,229 |
| 3 years | $-13,084 |
| 5 years | $-9,938 |
| 7 years | $-6,793 |
| 9 years | $-3,648 |
| 11 years | $-503 |
| 13 years | $2,643 |
| 15 years | $5,788 |
| 17 years | $8,933 |
| 19 years | $12,078 |
| 21 years | $15,224 |
| 23 years | $18,369 |
| 25 years | $21,514 |
Top Solar Installers in South Fulton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 South Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Fulton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in South Fulton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
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 typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Fulton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for South Fulton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in South Fulton, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $13,460 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,366 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,481 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $28,805 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,339 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $40,082 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $46,035 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $52,197 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 South Fulton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Fulton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Fulton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in South Fulton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Fulton is currently $274,039, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,236 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Fulton is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in South Fulton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.