Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centre, AL (2024 Update)
- Centre Solar Installation Cost: $22,637
- 25-Year Savings: $35,629
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centre
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Centre.
The average cost of solar panels in Centre is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $22,637 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Centre based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centre find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,789 |
| 3 years | $-17,094 |
| 5 years | $-13,399 |
| 7 years | $-9,704 |
| 9 years | $-6,009 |
| 11 years | $-2,314 |
| 13 years | $1,381 |
| 15 years | $5,077 |
| 17 years | $8,772 |
| 19 years | $12,467 |
| 21 years | $16,162 |
| 23 years | $19,857 |
| 25 years | $23,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Centre
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centre
The cost of installing a solar system in Centre can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Centre, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Centre average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back 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 loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Centre is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $18,116 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,545 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,170 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,991 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,006 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,218 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,624 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,227 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Centre, 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: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Centre, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centre?
The average cost of solar panels in Centre is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Centre?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Centre. 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,112.01 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.