Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anniston, AL (2024 Update)

  • Anniston Solar Installation Cost: $22,478
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,712
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anniston

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Anniston.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Anniston is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $22,478 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Anniston find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Anniston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,630
3 years $-16,935
5 years $-13,240
7 years $-9,545
9 years $-5,850
11 years $-2,154
13 years $1,541
15 years $5,236
17 years $8,931
19 years $12,626
21 years $16,321
23 years $20,016
25 years $23,712

Top Solar Installers in Anniston

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Anniston, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

For many Anniston homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Anniston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Anniston, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Anniston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Anniston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $3.63 $15,244 $18,188 11.4 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,641 11.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,290 11.0 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,135 10.7 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,174 10.5 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $52,410 10.3 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $59,840 10.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $67,467 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Anniston is currently $126,492, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,186 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Anniston is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Anniston?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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