Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calera, AL (2024 Update)

  • Calera Solar Installation Cost: $21,932
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,587
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calera

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Calera.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Calera typically cost around 3.Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Calera, the average price of going solar will be about $21,932 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Calera homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Calera homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Calera that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Calera

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,085
3 years $-16,389
5 years $-12,694
7 years $-8,999
9 years $-5,304
11 years $-1,609
13 years $2,086
15 years $5,782
17 years $9,477
19 years $13,172
21 years $16,867
23 years $20,562
25 years $24,257

Top Solar Installers in Calera

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Calera, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Calera is $21,932, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,490. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Calera to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off 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 Calera is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $18,830 11.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,497 11.0 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $32,360 10.8 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $39,418 10.5 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $46,672 10.3 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $54,121 10.1 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $61,766 9.9 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $69,606 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Calera, 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:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Calera?

Solar panels aren’t free in Calera, 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.

Does Calera have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.

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