Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, AL (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $21,715
- 25-Year Savings: $33,347
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
See how much it might cost to go solar in Auburn.
The average cost of a solar system in Auburn is 3 per watt.The average Auburn homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,715 with the federal tax credit, or $31,052 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Auburn depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Auburn homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,868 |
| 3 years | $-16,172 |
| 5 years | $-12,477 |
| 7 years | $-8,782 |
| 9 years | $-5,087 |
| 11 years | $-1,392 |
| 13 years | $2,303 |
| 15 years | $5,998 |
| 17 years | $9,694 |
| 19 years | $13,389 |
| 21 years | $17,084 |
| 23 years | $20,779 |
| 25 years | $24,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Auburn, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
For many Auburn homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,490 per kilowatt in Auburn.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Auburn homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Auburn is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,555 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,797 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,235 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $36,869 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $43,698 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $50,722 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $57,941 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $65,357 | 10.1 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:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Auburn, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.