Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chickasaw, AL (Mar 2023)
- Chickasaw Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $36,699
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chickasaw
We break down average solar pricing in Chickasaw.
In Chickasaw, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Chickasaw is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,629 for a solar installation, or $20,919 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chickasaw homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chickasaw find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Chickasaw for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chickasaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,576 |
| 3 years | $-8,470 |
| 5 years | $-4,363 |
| 7 years | $-257 |
| 9 years | $3,849 |
| 11 years | $7,955 |
| 13 years | $12,061 |
| 15 years | $16,168 |
| 17 years | $20,274 |
| 19 years | $24,380 |
| 21 years | $28,486 |
| 23 years | $32,593 |
| 25 years | $36,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Chickasaw
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in Chickasaw, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Chickasaw: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in Chickasaw. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 Chickasaw is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $25,384 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $34,120 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $42,993 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $52,004 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $61,151 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $70,436 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $79,858 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $89,417 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chickasaw?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Chickasaw?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chickasaw. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property 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 Chickasaw is currently $100,870, so you can expect a value of about $4,136 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chickasaw is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.