Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexander City, AL (2024 Update)
- Alexander City Solar Installation Cost: $21,728
- 25-Year Savings: $32,388
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexander City
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Alexander City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alexander City typically cost about 3.Since a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Alexander City, the average price of going solar will be about $21,728 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Alexander City homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alexander City find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alexander City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alexander City
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-19,881 |
3 years | $-16,186 |
5 years | $-12,491 |
7 years | $-8,795 |
9 years | $-5,100 |
11 years | $-1,405 |
13 years | $2,290 |
15 years | $5,985 |
17 years | $9,680 |
19 years | $13,375 |
21 years | $17,071 |
23 years | $20,766 |
25 years | $24,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexander City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Alexander City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexander City
The cost of installing a solar system in Alexander City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Alexander City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Alexander City is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $16,894 | 11.9 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $22,916 | 11.6 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,134 | 11.4 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $35,547 | 11.2 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $42,156 | 10.9 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $48,960 | 10.7 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $55,959 | 10.5 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $63,154 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Alexander City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Alexander City, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alexander City?
The average cost of solar panels in Alexander City is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alexander City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alexander City. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.