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.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Auburn, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $21,715, or $31,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Auburn for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Auburn, we've put together 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
The cost of installing a solar system in Auburn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant 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 equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy 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 make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Auburn, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Auburn are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $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 a lot of companies available in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.