Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calera, AL (2023 Update)
- Calera Solar Installation Cost: $15,396
- 25-Year Savings: $35,587
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calera
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Calera.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Calera, the average cost of solar panels 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calera
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,549 |
| 3 years | $-9,854 |
| 5 years | $-6,159 |
| 7 years | $-2,463 |
| 9 years | $1,232 |
| 11 years | $4,927 |
| 13 years | $8,622 |
| 15 years | $12,317 |
| 17 years | $16,012 |
| 19 years | $19,707 |
| 21 years | $23,403 |
| 23 years | $27,098 |
| 25 years | $30,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Calera
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Calera can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Calera. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Calera average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Calera is the company you choose 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 costs. Additionally, some companies in Calera know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calera?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Calera?
You can't get solar panels for free in Calera. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.