Best 5 Solar Companies in Athens, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Athens

The price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have solar-specific contractors' licenses, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages licenses and business filings. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Athens

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

Most Athens homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,700 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Athens

Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Athens.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.