Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winder, GA (2024 Update)

  • Winder Solar Installation Cost: $17,706
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,125
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winder

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Winder.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winder, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Winder, the average price of going solar will be about $17,706 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Winder depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Winder homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Winder

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,112
3 years $-12,926
5 years $-9,740
7 years $-6,553
9 years $-3,367
11 years $-180
13 years $3,006
15 years $6,193
17 years $9,379
19 years $12,566
21 years $15,752
23 years $18,939
25 years $22,125

Top Solar Installers in Winder

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Winder

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winder

There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Winder, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Winder, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Winder to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Winder have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $12,733 14.0 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $17,396 13.8 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $22,268 13.5 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $27,350 13.2 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $32,642 13.0 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $38,143 12.7 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $43,853 12.4 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $49,773 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Winder, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Winder, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winder?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Winder?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 how much 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.

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