Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anniston, AL (2023 Update)
- Anniston Solar Installation Cost: $15,778
- 25-Year Savings: $35,490
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anniston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Anniston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Anniston it's 2.45 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Anniston, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,778, or $22,563 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Anniston homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Anniston homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anniston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,727 |
| 3 years | $-9,626 |
| 5 years | $-5,524 |
| 7 years | $-1,423 |
| 9 years | $2,678 |
| 11 years | $6,780 |
| 13 years | $10,881 |
| 15 years | $14,983 |
| 17 years | $19,084 |
| 19 years | $23,186 |
| 21 years | $27,287 |
| 23 years | $31,389 |
| 25 years | $35,490 |
Top Solar Installers in Anniston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Anniston, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Anniston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anniston
Though the average cost of a solar system in Anniston is $15,778, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Anniston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Anniston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Anniston is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Anniston are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,731 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,582 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,570 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,696 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,959 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,359 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,896 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,571 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Anniston, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Anniston?
The average cost of solar panels in Anniston is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Anniston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Anniston. 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.
Does Anniston have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Anniston?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.