Solar Panel Cost Guide in Attalla, AL (2023 Update)
- Attalla Solar Installation Cost: $15,864
- 25-Year Savings: $32,854
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Attalla
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Attalla.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Attalla generally cost around 2.45. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Attalla, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,864, or $22,686 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Attalla depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Attalla find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Attalla, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Attalla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,915 |
| 3 years | $-10,018 |
| 5 years | $-6,120 |
| 7 years | $-2,223 |
| 9 years | $1,675 |
| 11 years | $5,572 |
| 13 years | $9,470 |
| 15 years | $13,367 |
| 17 years | $17,264 |
| 19 years | $21,162 |
| 21 years | $25,059 |
| 23 years | $28,957 |
| 25 years | $32,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Attalla
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Attalla, we've 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 Attalla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Attalla
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Attalla: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Attalla. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Attalla, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Attalla are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $20,910 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $28,154 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $35,536 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $43,054 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $50,710 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $58,503 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $66,434 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $74,501 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Attalla, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Attalla?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Attalla?
You can't get solar panels for free in Attalla. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Attalla is currently $86,600, which means you could be looking at a value of about $3,551 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Attalla is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.