Solar Panels Cost 9.2k-18k in Gainesville, GA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.2k-$18k in Gainesville, GA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gainesville, GA in 2024?

Solar panel installations in Gainesville, GA during October, 2024 average out to $3.3 per watt.

Utilizing the price per watt, you are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacity will require an investment of $3,300 for installation. In Gainesville, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system is typically $11,550, after a 30% federal tax credit. Depending on your energy usage, you might need a bigger system.

To the left, you can select a county to find the average roof size and the average maximum generation capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. Below, you can see a summary of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Gainesville: $11,550US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gainesville: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Gainesville: $19,303US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Gainesville

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Gainesville.

Roof size 822sq. ft.
Capacity 11.5kW DC
Electricity 14.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Gainesville, GA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

On average, a Gainesville energy consumer uses1,034 kWh and pays $149.18 per month for electricity. These figures also cover apartments and other smaller residences with lower energy demand.

For October 2024, Gainesville, GA's average electricity rate amounts to 14.43¢ per kWh.

If you consume an average amount of electricity in Gainesville, you will need a solar panel system of 8 kW or more to fully account for your full electricity consumption demands. Presently, an 8 kW solar system will be priced at around $26,400at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $18,480.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Gainesville

On your left, we have provided a full pricing details for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Gainesville. The investment for a more extensive solar panel setup is greater, but it also yields greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, shown in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $149.18 in Gainesville. Change the $149.18 to your usual bill payment for personalized results.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $880 a year
Est. Price
$9,240
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,287 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $73
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,449 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,100 a year
Est. Price
$11,550
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $92
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.75 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,812 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,320 a year
Est. Price
$13,860
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,431 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $110
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,174 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,540 a year
Est. Price
$16,170
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,003 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $128
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.85 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,536 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,760 a year
Est. Price
$18,480
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,575 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $147
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.4 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 202 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,899 mi less a year

Gainesville Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

For rural agricultural properties and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Think you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Most homeowners can benefit from the federal 30% income tax credit for solar panels, which turns adopting solar energy a practical choice in numerous regions of the U.S. In addition to federal incentives, there are many state and local efforts to encourage solar energy adoption.

Multiple utilities and government agencies in Georgia provide 7 solar rebate and incentive programs.

Coweta-Fayette EMC - SmartChoice Home Program

Value:Up to $50

SmartChoice is an incentive program for residential Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation customers. Eligible participants may receive rebates or other financial assistance to purchase and install certain renewable or energy-efficient equipment. Specific eligible projects and rebates will vary from time to time. Current offers include home EV chargers, heat pumps, solar water heaters, and smart thermostats. Rebates are flat amounts and vary based on the type of project. Additional information is available from the CFEMC website.

Georgia Green Loans Save & Sustain Program

Value:Varies

Georgia Green Loans (GGL) is a microlender funded through grants from the 2009 federal stimulus package. Today, they offer specialized financing to Georgia businesses looking to make energy efficiency capital improvements. Eligible projects for loan funding include insulation/weatherization, HVAC, renewable energy, and appliances meeting ENERGY STAR certification. Available loan principal ranges from $500 to $50,000 with a five-year maximum repayment term. Interest rates may vary but will remain consistently low. Additional information is available through the GGL website.

Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Value:Varies

Through partnerships with local banks, residential Central Georgia EMC customers may be eligible for rebates on energy efficiency improvement projects. Incentives through the program may also fund the building of new homes built to certain green standards. Qualifying projects will vary from time to time. Interested customers should visit the CGEMC website to view and apply for current offers.

Walton EMC - HomePlus Loan Program

Value:Varies

Through a partnership with the GEMC credit union, Walton EMC customers may be eligible for special financing to fund energy efficiency improvement projects and equipment. A variety of upgrades qualify, including insulation/weatherization, windows, HVAC, and new renewable equipment including solar PV/thermal/heating systems. Interest rates may vary, but they will remain consistently low. The application process includes standard credit checks, a property title review, and an audit of the customer's bill payment record. Additional information is available through the Walton EMC website.

Coweta-Fayette EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Value:Varies

SmartChoice is an incentive program for residential Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation customers. Through the program, any homeowner on the CFEMC grid is entitled to a no-cost energy audit. Available auditing tools are comprehensive, even considering air leakage from the HVAC system. Depending on a customer's audit results, they may be entitled to rebates or other financial incentives on new equipment or improvements. Available rebate offers will vary from time to time. Rebates may also be applied to the construction of new energy-efficient homes. Additional information is available from the CFEMC website

Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Home Plus Loan Program

Value:Varies

Through partnerships with local banks and lenders, residential and business customers of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Company (CGEMC) may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements. The property must meet certain ENERGY STAR standards to be eligible for loan funding. Interest rates remain uniquely low but will vary from time to time. The application process for residential customers involves an energy efficiency audit by a CGEMC representative. Projects not recommended by the auditor may not be recommended for financing. Additional information is available from the CGEMC website.

Georgia Interfaith Power and Light - Energy Improvement Grants

Value:Varies

Places of worship, including religious schools, seeking to make energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for grant funding from Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. The maximum allowed grant is $10,000 before application fees. Institutions must match grant funding through creation care/building funds, tithes, or other means. Allowable projects include (but are not limited to) windows, insulation/weatherization, and new solar PV/wind energy devices. New HVAC systems are not eligible. Once a grant is awarded, the institution must submit a follow-up report one year later. Additional information is available from the GIPL website.

Are solar panels worth it in Georgia?

If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Gainesville. A 5 kW system in Gainesville, GA will save you, on average, $24,253.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gainesville, GA

Apart from the savings mentioned earlier, failing to install solar panels or an alternative energy backup leads to you being wholly dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have shown that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always the most favorable condition.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Gainesville is 1.09. The average duration of each outage is 104.1 minutes. During severe events like tornadoes, construction accidents, or grid management errors, these times can grow significantly longer.

A solar energy system could help mitigate the effects of future outages, whether or not it has a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Hall County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gainesville, GA?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a greater upfront cost, but the cost per watt reduces. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is useful to consumers because of the reduced long-term costs.

Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. Because the installer you choose might have particular system preferences, choosing a recommended installer is even more important. The employment of superior makes and models is likely to provide a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry, and it's easy to see why. Despite the higher price tag, these panels produce greater energy output. The majority of installation experts use panels made from this material.

Your Property - Things such as trees, rough terrain, or additional hurdles can cause the installation to be more difficult. Many solar installers today use satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies lead to costs that are transferred to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages often garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will differ depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other GA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Gainesville?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Eagle Solar and Light

Birmingham, AL(205) 202-2208

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Velo Solar

Atlanta, GA(404) 640-5974

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar Sun World

Eatonton, GA(706) 318-0784

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entero Energy

Austin, TX(512) 551-0742

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Gainesville, GA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Gainesville, GA is $3.3/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Gainesville, GA after federal tax credits is around $11,550.

  • Right now, Georgia has 7 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Opting to pay in cash provides the highest savings, but there are now various financing options for solar panels that are cost-effective. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will incorporate this information into your initial quotes.

  • Yes, in Gainesville, GA, the average time for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay for themselves is 6 years, leading to electricity savings of $24,253.2 over a 20-year period.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01