Best 5 Solar Companies in Rome, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rome

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized 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 Rome

Your solar panels' style will affect how much electricity you can generate. 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 are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $18,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Rome. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Rome solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Rome

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. 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 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 rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement 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 particular circumstances. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

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 financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.