Best 5 Solar Companies in Marietta, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Marietta

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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 licenses and business filings. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Marietta

Your solar panels' model will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Marietta. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Marietta

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest 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 own 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment options it offers. A team member 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 Marietta.

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