How Much Is the Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia?
The cost of solar panels in Georgia will set you back an average of $23,280 with installation. Most homeowners pay between $20,850 and $25,700. Depending on the size of your solar system and the type of panel you choose, you could spend anywhere from $13,350 to $32,900. To offset some of the expense, Georgia homeowners are eligible for a federal solar tax rebate.
Average Solar Panel Costs in Georgia
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $23,280 | $25,700 | $20,850 |
Cost of Solar Panels per Watt in Georgia
How much do solar panels cost in Georgia? Solar panels cost around $2.67 to $3.29 per watt, with the average price being $2.98 per watt. For example, for a 5 kilowatt (kW) system, you'd pay between $13,350 and $16,450, with an average cost of $14,900.
| Solar Panel System Size per kW | Average System Cost Range (Before Incentives) | Average System Cost (Before Incentives) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | $13,350 – $16,450 | $14,900 |
| 7 | $18,660 – $23,050 | $20,860 |
| 8 | $21,360 – $26,320 | $23,840 |
| 9 | $24,030 – $29,610 | $26,820 |
| 10 | $26,700 – $32,900 | $29,800 |
Georgia Solar Panel Costs by City
The city you live in is a significant cost factor when it comes to paying for solar panels. For example, prices for solar panel installation in Atlanta start at around $25,100, while prices in Helen start at $28,520.
| City | Average Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $25,100 – $49,400 | $37,250 |
| Austell | $25,100 – $49,400 | $37,250 |
| Helen | $28,520 – $45,900 | $37,210 |
Atlanta
The average cost of solar panel installation in Atlanta is $37,250, with most people paying between $25,100 and $49,400. Compared to the average cost of solar panel installation, this is relatively expensive. But given that the cost of living in Atlanta is 5% higher than the national average, it pushes the price for most necessities, from gas to labor rates.
Austell
You'll pay around $37,250 for solar panels in Austell, or somewhere between $25,100 and $49,400. Although the cost of living in Austell is 5% lower than the national average, the transportation costs are 17% higher, leading to higher costs of services.
Helen
Solar panel installation in Helen costs an average of $37,210. Homeowners typically pay between $28,520 and $45,900. Note that the cost of living is around 4% higher than the national average but lower than in Atlanta.
Georgia Solar Panel Cost Factors
An array of factors can impact how much you'll pay for your solar installation, from the cell type to the type of roof you have and the current labor rate. For an accurate quote, talk to a local solar installer.
Cell Type
The type of cell you choose determines how much solar panels cost. Polycrystalline and thin-film cells are the most budget-friendly, while monocrystalline cells cost more. However, monocrystalline cells are more efficient, perform better, and have a longer life span. Take a look at the typical costs for a 7kW system installed in Georgia based on different cell types.
| Solar Panel Cell Type | Average Cost Range (Installed) | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Polycrystalline | $17,500 – $21,000 | $19,250 |
| Thin-film | $17,500 – $21,000 | $19,250 |
| Monocrystalline | $18,700 – $25,700 | $22,200 |
Polycrystalline: Made of silicon crystal fragments bonded together
Thin-film: Best for moderate sun, not bright sun; has the lowest profile
Monocrystalline: Made of whole silicon crystals; most efficient option
Roof Pitch
The pitch of your roof impacts how much you'll pay in labor costs. The steeper the roof, the more challenging it is and the more time it takes, so the more you'll pay. Similarly, you'll pay more in labor for tall installations because of the extra time and increased risk of working above two stories.
Panel Brand
The panel brand is an important factor when pricing your solar panel project. Wherever you live, different brands specialize in different panels and have a range of price points. Talk to your solar installer near you who can guide you on the best panels for your home.
| Solar Panel Brand | Average Cost Range per 7kW System (All-In) | Average Cost per 7kW System (All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| S-Energy | $17,500 – $27,440 | $22,470 |
| Solaria | $17,290 – $21,910 | $19,600 |
| SunPower | $21,560 – $28,140 | $24,850 |
| Tesla | $12,250 – $20,440 | $16,350 |
Installation
In Georgia, the typical labor cost for solar panel installation is $0.76 to $0.83 per watt. So, for a 7kW system, you'll pay $5,320 to $5,810 in labor costs. Typically, installations in metropolitan areas cost more, while rural projects are less pricey.
You may also get lower labor costs if you shop around and wait until the off-season when demand drops. Many companies offer deals, freebies, and lower rates to attract new business.
Inverter Type
The type of inverter that accompanies your solar panel system greatly impacts your project's total price. Inverters are responsible for converting the energy the panels gather into usable electricity for your home.
Micro inverters are installed on every panel, and the price per unit is low but adds up quickly depending on how many panels you have. String inverters are more costly, but only one per set of panels is required. However, with string inverters, if one panel fails, they all stop working. Power optimizers work with string inverters to help all panels work efficiently. If the output from one panel drops, the optimizers—which are attached to each panel in the string—work to keep the remaining panels working at optimum efficiency.
Battery-based inverters are costly but necessary if you've paid for the cost of a battery storage system. They ensure the energy is changed into storable energy that can be drawn from the battery and used in your home. You'll need one battery-based inverter per battery. Take a look at the costs for the various types of inverters:
Power optimizer: $130– $150
Micro inverter: $150–$220
String inverter: $1,000–$2,000
Battery-based inverter: $2,000–$2,300
Maintenance and Repairs
An annual solar panel service contract costs around $400 to $800 per year and should be enough to maintain your solar panels at peak efficiency. These service contracts generally include annual inspections and minor repairs, such as rodent-chewed wiring. Having a service contract ensures you catch most small issues before they become major and expensive problems.
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Georgia
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residents of Georgia are eligible for the federal solar tax credit of 30%. Even if you don't have enough tax to capitalize on this in a single year, you can roll over the remainder to the following year to make full use of this rebate.
Unfortunately, at the time of publication, there are no state incentives, tax breaks, or exemptions for solar panel installation in Georgia.
Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels in Georgia?
It's estimated that you can save just over $23,000 over the life of your solar installation. Because Georgia lies so close to the equator, it gets a lot of sun compared to most other states, making solar energy a viable option and a savvy investment. In fact, a quality solar panel installation can boost your home's value by 4.1%, or around $12,204.
Plus, there are other benefits. The payback time for solar panels in Georgia is around 12 years, after which you'll be making significant energy savings. And thanks to net metering, if you have a system that generates more energy than you need, you can sell it back to the energy grid and reach full payback a year or two faster. But keep in mind that Georgia utilities don't buy back energy at the full retail rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Georgia. Typically, you can expect to boost your home's value by around 4.1%. Based on the average Georgia house price, that's an increase of $12,204, a significant increase. And when coupled with the potential savings on energy costs over the life of the installation, solar panels are a worthwhile investment.
Solar panels are expected to operate at peak efficiency for around 25 years. However, they should still be functional after this time, particularly if you pay for the cost of solar panel cleaning and maintenance. They'll still work, but they may not be as efficient. If the panels remain in good condition, it'll be many years after their peak life span that you'll notice a significant drop in performance.
Yes, hail can damage your solar panels. However, due to rigorous testing and improved standards in the industry, the hailstones would need to be over 2 inches in diameter to cause damage, so it's unlikely you'll have to worry about the cost of repairing solar panels. Solar panels are made from tempered glass, and many manufacturers test the panels to withstand hail that falls at 50 miles per hour. Areas in Georgia that are prone to hailstorms may consider a solar panel cover to offer extra protection.
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