Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia
Solar Panels in Georgia: Pricing, Savings, and Financial Benefits
Key Details
- Solar panel installation in Georgia costs between $2.55 and $3.55 per watt, with a 5-6 kW setup ranging from $12,750 to $21,300.
- Factors affecting cost include panel manufacturer, installation company, location, quality, household needs, and consumption patterns.
- Georgia's abundant sunlight and high solar panel shipments make solar energy an attractive, cost-effective option, potentially saving $750 to $900 annually on electricity bills.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Georgia?
In Georgia, a solar panel installation would cost you between $2.55 and $3.55 per watt. That means a 5- to 6-kilowatt installation could run anywhere from $12,750 to $21,300.
However, the cost of solar panels typically differs based on several factors, including the manufacturer that made the solar panels, the installation company and the workmen involved in installing the solar panel at your preferred location, and the general quality of the panels themselves.
According to the Annual Solar Photovoltaic Module Shipments report, Georgia is one of the top recipients of solar panel shipments. In 2021, the state had a total of 1,147,733 solar panel units shipped, one of the highest across the states in the country.
One big advantage of solar energy in Georgia is that it's cheaper than conventional electricity. The average retail cost of electricity in Georgia is around 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the US Energy Information Administration. But a 5 to 6-kilowatt solar installation can generate between 7,500 and 9,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. That could save you anywhere from $750 to $900 on your yearly electricity bills.
Average Solar Panel Cost in Georgia
| Size | Solar Panel Installation Cost(Approximated minimum of $2.55/W) | System Installation Cost After Solar Credit(minimum 26% Tax Credit) | Home Size |
| 3 kW | $7,650 | $5,561 | < 1,00 sq ft |
| 5 kW | $12,750 | $9,435 | <1,000 sq ft |
| 8 kW | $20,400 | $15,096 | 1,100 sq ft |
| 9 kW | $22,950 | $16,983 | 1,300 sq. ft. |
| 11 kW | $28,050 | $20,757 | 1,700 sq ft |
| 13 kW | $33,150 | $24,531 | 2,100 sq ft |
| 14 kW | $35,700 | $26,418 | 2,300 sq ft |
| 15 kW | $38,250 | $28,305 | > 2,400 sq ft |
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need in Georgia?
Deciding how many solar panels you need to generate enough electricity to meet your energy needs, will depend on a number of factors. Some of these include the size of your home, your electricity consumption, and your geographical location.
The first step in determining how many solar panels you need is to make a rough estimation of the amount of energy you use. This can simply be done by gauging your electricity bills over time or the past year to derive rough estimates of your monthly or annual average consumption.
Once you have this information, you can calculate how much electricity you need to generate each day to cover your energy needs. Alternatively, to get a more accurate picture of your energy consumption you should speak to a solar panel company.
After you've determined the amount of energy you consume in your household, the next step would be to estimate the amount of sunlight your home receives. Georgia is known for its abundant sunshine, but the amount of sunlight your home receives can vary depending on the season, time of day, and shading from trees or buildings.
The size and efficiency of the solar panels you choose will also impact the number of panels you need. High-efficiency solar panels will produce more electricity per panel, meaning you may need fewer panels overall to generate the same amount of electricity as a larger number of lower-efficiency panels. The physical size of the panels can also impact the number of panels you need, as larger panels may produce more electricity but may not fit on your roof or property.
The final factor to consider is your budget. While a larger number of solar panels may be needed to meet your energy needs, the upfront cost of purchasing and installing these panels will be higher. Leasing solar panels may be a more affordable option for homeowners who are unable to make a large upfront investment.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for a 3-bedroom house?
The number of solar panels that you would normally install to serve the energy needs of a three-bedroom home largely depends on the energy consumption levels of the household. The average family in the nation installed between 15 and 25 solar panels to sufficiently meet their needs, but a solar installation business would determine the exact number that would serve the home's needs.
Similarly, the energy requirement of a four-bedroom residence would determine the number of solar panels you should install on the building.
Do all Solar Panels Produce the Same Energy?
Not all solar panels generate the same amount of electricity. The quantity of electricity generated by a solar panel is mostly determined by its wattage rating. The wattage rating of a solar panel is a measurement of the maximum amount of electricity that the solar panel can generate under ideal conditions.
On a broad scale, higher-wattage solar panels generate more energy than lower-wattage panels. However, other elements including the panel's effectiveness, temperature, and shading can all have an impact on its energy generation.
While higher-wattage panels produce greater amounts of electricity, they might not always be the best solution for a certain installation. When selecting a solar panel, consider factors such as readily accessible space on the roof, budgetary constraints, and personalized energy demands.
Which type of Solar Panel is best for Home Use in Georgia?
When it comes to choosing the best solar panel for home use in Georgia, there are three primary types to consider: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Each type has its own unique set of pros and cons to consider, which can ultimately impact your decision. Here's a breakdown:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels:
Pros:
- The most efficient type of solar panel
- Durable and long-lasting
- High energy output per panel
- Require less space for installation
Cons:
- Most expensive type of solar panel
- Production can be affected by high temperatures
Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
Pros:
- Lower cost than monocrystalline panels
- Good energy output per panel
- More environmentally-friendly than monocrystalline panels
Cons:
- Lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline panels
- Require more space for installation
Thin-Film Solar Panels:
Pros:
- The most affordable option
- Lightweight and flexible, making them easy to install
- Work well in low-light conditions
Cons:
- Least efficient type of solar panel
- Require more space for installation due to lower energy output
- Not as durable as other types of solar panels
Ultimately, the best type of solar panel for your home in Georgia depends on your specific needs and budget. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and long-lasting, but they come at a higher cost.
Polycrystalline panels are a more budget-friendly option but have lower efficiency. Thin-film panels are the most affordable but least efficient option. Consider your energy needs and budget when choosing the best type of solar panel for your home.
Can you Run a House Solely on Solar Panels in Georgia?
Yes, it is possible to operate a household primarily using solar panels in Georgia. To do this solar installers in collaboration with homeowners need to ensure that their solar panel system is designed to meet their energy needs. This includes determining their daily energy usage, selecting the right solar panel type and size, and having an adequate battery backup system.
How Big of a Solar System do I need to go Off-Grid in Georgia?
In order for you to correctly estimate the size of the solar panel system required to go entirely off-grid in Georgia, several factors must be considered, such as the energy needs of the household, daily sunlight hours, and the panel's wattage.
Follow the outlined procedures below to determine the number of panels needed to sustainably stay off the grid:
- Determine your home's daily energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This may be accomplished by reviewing your utility statement or by utilizing an internet calculator.
- Divide your daily energy use by the number of days you wish to be off the grid. For example, if you wish to go three days without power, double your daily energy use by three.
- Subtract total energy use from daily solar panel output. Then use that to derive the number of solar panels to be installed based on the total amount in kWh generated per panel monthly.
- Add a few more panels to account for weather-related energy losses, system inefficiencies, and battery storage.
Below is a broad overview of the size of solar panels you would need to stay off the national grid.
| System Size | Number of Panels (200W Panels) | Estimated Space(sq. ft.) | Estimated Cost. (approximated cost of $2.55 per Watt) |
| 5kW | 28 | 336 | $12,750 |
| 10kW | 54 | 648 | $25,500 |
| 20kW | 107 | 1284 | $51,000 |
| 50kW | 257 | 3084 | $127,500 |
| 100kW | 512 | 6144 | $255,000 |
| 200kW | 1022 | 12264 | $510,000 |
Is it Better to Lease or Buy in Georgia?
Leasing or buying a solar panel in Georgia comes with different benefits. so it is essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Below is a broad overview of the pros and cons when choosing between leasing or buying:
| Leasing | Buying | |
| Upfront Cost | Leasing solar panels is considerably more affordable for those who cannot afford the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar panel system. Leasing companies charge far less than those who sell solar panels and this makes it attractive for homeowners in Georgia. | The up-front cost for outright procurement of a solar panel system can be a tall task for homeowners. While the long-term savings can be significant, some homeowners may be deterred because of the initial costs. |
| Maintenance | Leasing companies are typically responsible for the cost of maintenance and repairs of solar systems to homes that lease. This can save homeowners from highly costly repairs down the line. | Homeowners in Georgia are solely responsible for the maintenance and general repairs of their household solar panel system, which can be costly if unexpected issues arise. |
| Long-Term Cost Structure | While leasing may seem affordable at first, in the long run, it can be more expensive than outrightly procuring the system. Leasing companies often charge monthly fees that can add up over time and result in higher costs than purchasing a solar panel system. | Once the solar system has been procured the only associated costs would be the routine maintenance cost. Hence, buying can be the more affordable option for residents who own the property and do not plan to relocate soon. |
| Tax Credit Incentives | When leasing solar panels the leasing company is awarded all the tax credits and other incentives instead of the consumer. Hence, anyone that leases cannot lay claims to the solar investment tax credit (ITC) or other incentives that are offered by the government. | Those who opt to purchase a solar panel system can take full advantage of the solar investment tax credit (ITC) that is currently offered by the government. There is a tax credit pegged at 26% of the total cost of the solar panel and installation. This is a great option for anyone who has procured a solar system for homeowners to save some money while contributing a quota to ensure a greener society. |
| Ownership Structure | For solar panels that are installed on a lease, the leasing company remains the sole owner and owns all rights to the solar panel system. This simply means the homeowner cannot arbitrarily make changes to the solar system without first duly consulting the leasing company. | Once a homeowner or business owner has purchased a solar system, they own the system and have complete control over it. This means that they are at liberty to make changes or upgrades to the system as desired. |
| Flexibility of Commitment | Most leasing firms in Georgia often provide leases with terms that are usually less than 20 to 25 years. Customers and Georgia residents who do not intend to remain in their homes for an extended amount of time may find this to be quite advantageous. Summarily, a solar panel lease can be quite advantageous for tenants and other transient occupiers. | When purchasing a solar panel system, homeowners invariably make a commitment that would last for the entirety of its lifespan, which can be 20-25 years or more depending on the quality of the solar panel used. |
| Effect on Home Value | The value of the property as a whole is unaffected by a solar panel lease because the leasing firm owns the solar panel. | Solar panel installations typically raise the value of the home by 4.1%. Hence, home and business owners can view buying solar panels as an investment into raising the value of their property. |
