Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calera, AL (Mar 2023)
- Calera Solar Installation Cost: $15,401
- 25-Year Savings: $35,583
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calera
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Calera.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Calera, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Calera is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,401 for a solar installation, or $22,023 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Calera find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calera
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,361 |
| 3 years | $-9,283 |
| 5 years | $-5,204 |
| 7 years | $-1,125 |
| 9 years | $2,953 |
| 11 years | $7,032 |
| 13 years | $11,111 |
| 15 years | $15,190 |
| 17 years | $19,268 |
| 19 years | $23,347 |
| 21 years | $27,426 |
| 23 years | $31,504 |
| 25 years | $35,583 |
Top Solar Installers in Calera
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Calera
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calera
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Calera: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,450 per kilowatt in Calera. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Calera, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Calera to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Calera is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $23,372 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,438 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,640 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,980 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,456 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $65,070 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,822 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,710 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Calera, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Calera?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Calera?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.