Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Newnan Homeowners?
Georgia's public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: georgiapower.comIncentive Amount:
Single Family
Central AC Replacement: $50
Air/Duct Sealing: $300
Attic Insulation: $250
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $150
Smart Thermostat: $75
Heat Pump conversion: $250
Multifamily
Central AC Replacement: $25
Air/Duct Sealing: $150
Attic Insulation: $125
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $75
Smart Thermostat: $38
Heat Pump conversion: $125
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: cgemc.comIncentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: diversepower.comIncentive Amount:
Air Source Heat Pump: $100/system
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $100/system
Geothermal Heat Pump: $350/ton
Waste Heat Recovery: $300/house
Electric Water Heater: $100/unit
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: diversepower.comIncentive Amount:
Heat Pumps
Electric to Electric Heat Pump Change Out: $100 - $200/system
Gas to Electric Heat Pump Change Out: $300 - $400/system
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $250 - $300/system
Geothermal Heat Pump: $250/ton
Water Heaters
Electric to Electric Water Heater Change Out: $75 - $150/ system
Gas to Electric Water Heater Change Out: $300 - $500/system
Waste Heat Recovery Unit: $250/house
Thermostats
Programmable Thermostats: $25
Insulation
Insulation: $300 - $500/house
Duct Sealing
Reduce Leakage greater than or equal to 20%: $600
Reduce Leakage greater than or equal to 25%: $800
Reduce Leakage greater than or equal to 30%: $1,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: utility.orgIncentive Amount:
New Homes
Programmable Thermostat: $50
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: utility.orgIncentive Amount:
Programmable Thermostat: $50/unit
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100/unit
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner Replacement: $100/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater/Solar Water Heater: $250
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Newnan
The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed 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 credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Newnan
Your solar panels' type will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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 need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Newnan and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,700 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,128 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $879 |
Thin-Film | $514 |
Solar Battery | $722 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,706 |
Financing Solar Energy in Newnan
Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're considering about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Newnan.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 1.8 years |
2 kW | 3.5 years |
5 kW | 8.8 years |
10 kW | 17.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Newnan
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in Newnan?
Will solar panels increase my Newnan home value?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Newnan?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Not being straightforward about credentials and training, references, warranties and cost
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
Should I get quotes from multiple Newnan solar companies?
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