Solar Panel Cost Guide in Childersburg, AL (Mar 2023)
- Childersburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,589
- 25-Year Savings: $33,392
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Childersburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Childersburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Childersburg, the average cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $15,589 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Childersburg can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Childersburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Childersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,630 |
| 3 years | $-9,712 |
| 5 years | $-5,793 |
| 7 years | $-1,875 |
| 9 years | $2,044 |
| 11 years | $5,963 |
| 13 years | $9,881 |
| 15 years | $13,800 |
| 17 years | $17,718 |
| 19 years | $21,637 |
| 21 years | $25,555 |
| 23 years | $29,474 |
| 25 years | $33,392 |
Top Solar Installers in Childersburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Childersburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Childersburg
For many Childersburg homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Childersburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Childersburg. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Childersburg provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 vehicle 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 | $21,614 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,093 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,709 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,462 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,353 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,381 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $68,546 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $76,848 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Childersburg, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Childersburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Childersburg is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Childersburg?
Solar panels aren't free in Childersburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Childersburg is currently $102,957, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,221 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Childersburg 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 should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.