Best 5 Solar Companies in Douglasville, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Douglasville

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have contractors' licenses specific to solar energy, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages business filings and licenses. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Douglasville

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Douglasville and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,700 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Douglasville

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. 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 reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.