Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, AL (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $22,878
- 25-Year Savings: $10,677
- Payback Period: 21.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Athens.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Athens is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Athens is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,878 for a solar installation, or $32,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Athens homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $11,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Athens find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Athens that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,522 |
| 3 years | $-18,809 |
| 5 years | $-16,096 |
| 7 years | $-13,383 |
| 9 years | $-10,670 |
| 11 years | $-7,957 |
| 13 years | $-5,244 |
| 15 years | $-2,532 |
| 17 years | $181 |
| 19 years | $2,894 |
| 21 years | $5,607 |
| 23 years | $8,320 |
| 25 years | $11,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
For many Athens homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Athens, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Athens’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Athens are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $1,886 | 22.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $2,906 | 21.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $4,121 | 21.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $5,531 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $7,137 | 20.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $8,939 | 20.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $10,936 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $13,128 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Athens, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Athens?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Athens, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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 needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.