Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clanton, AL (Mar 2023)
- Clanton Solar Installation Cost: $15,298
- 25-Year Savings: $35,603
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clanton
We go over average solar pricing in Clanton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clanton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clanton is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,298 for a solar installation, or $21,876 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Clanton for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clanton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,262 |
| 3 years | $-9,190 |
| 5 years | $-5,118 |
| 7 years | $-1,045 |
| 9 years | $3,027 |
| 11 years | $7,099 |
| 13 years | $11,171 |
| 15 years | $15,243 |
| 17 years | $19,315 |
| 19 years | $23,387 |
| 21 years | $27,459 |
| 23 years | $31,531 |
| 25 years | $35,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Clanton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Clanton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clanton
The cost of installing a solar system in Clanton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clanton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clanton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $23,530 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,648 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,902 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $48,295 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,824 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $65,490 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $74,294 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $83,235 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 opt for.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Clanton, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clanton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clanton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clanton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,141.05 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.