Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thomaston, GA (2024 Update)
- Thomaston Solar Installation Cost: $17,383
- 25-Year Savings: $21,608
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thomaston
We go over average solar pricing in Thomaston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Thomaston, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Thomaston homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,383 with the federal tax credit, or $24,858 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Thomaston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,790 |
| 3 years | $-12,603 |
| 5 years | $-9,417 |
| 7 years | $-6,230 |
| 9 years | $-3,044 |
| 11 years | $143 |
| 13 years | $3,329 |
| 15 years | $6,516 |
| 17 years | $9,702 |
| 19 years | $12,889 |
| 21 years | $16,075 |
| 23 years | $19,262 |
| 25 years | $22,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Thomaston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Thomaston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thomaston
There are a number of criteria that can affect your 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,740. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Thomaston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Thomaston, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Thomaston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,900 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,952 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,213 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,684 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $35,364 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $41,254 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $47,354 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $53,662 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- 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 completed and how long it will take.
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 Thomaston, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thomaston?
The average cost of solar panels in Thomaston 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Thomaston?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you 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 higher 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.