Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chickasaw, AL (2024 Update)
- Chickasaw Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $36,692
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chickasaw
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Chickasaw.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chickasaw it’s 3 per watt.Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Chickasaw, the average price of going solar will be about $20,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Chickasaw, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chickasaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Chickasaw
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Chickasaw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chickasaw
Although the average cost of a solar system in Chickasaw is $20,849, your final 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 solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chickasaw have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Chickasaw’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,842 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $28,180 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $35,713 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $43,442 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $51,367 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $59,487 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $67,802 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $76,313 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
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 Chickasaw, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chickasaw?
The average cost of solar panels in Chickasaw is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Chickasaw have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.