Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, AL (2024 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
- 25-Year Savings: $35,656
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Chelsea.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chelsea it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $22,070 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chelsea can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,223 |
| 3 years | $-16,527 |
| 5 years | $-12,832 |
| 7 years | $-9,137 |
| 9 years | $-5,442 |
| 11 years | $-1,747 |
| 13 years | $1,948 |
| 15 years | $5,644 |
| 17 years | $9,339 |
| 19 years | $13,034 |
| 21 years | $16,729 |
| 23 years | $20,424 |
| 25 years | $24,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Chelsea, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chelsea: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Chelsea, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chelsea is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Chelsea 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $18,726 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,359 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,188 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,212 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,431 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,846 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $61,456 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $69,262 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t 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.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Chelsea, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chelsea is currently $375,223, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,384 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chelsea is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.