Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, AL (2023 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $15,493
- 25-Year Savings: $35,656
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chelsea.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chelsea it's 2.45 per watt. The average Chelsea homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,486 with the federal tax credit, or $22,145 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Chelsea based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Chelsea homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Chelsea for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,646 |
| 3 years | $-9,951 |
| 5 years | $-6,255 |
| 7 years | $-2,560 |
| 9 years | $1,135 |
| 11 years | $4,830 |
| 13 years | $8,525 |
| 15 years | $12,220 |
| 17 years | $15,915 |
| 19 years | $19,611 |
| 21 years | $23,306 |
| 23 years | $27,001 |
| 25 years | $30,696 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed 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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
The cost of installing a solar system in Chelsea can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chelsea 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 offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $23,269 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,300 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,468 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,773 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,215 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,795 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,512 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,366 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Chelsea, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chelsea?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.