Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, AL (Mar 2023)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $35,704
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Clay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clay, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clay, most homeowners require a 9.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,624, or $22,342 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Clay depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clay find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,571 |
| 3 years | $-9,464 |
| 5 years | $-5,358 |
| 7 years | $-1,252 |
| 9 years | $2,854 |
| 11 years | $6,961 |
| 13 years | $11,067 |
| 15 years | $15,173 |
| 17 years | $19,279 |
| 19 years | $23,385 |
| 21 years | $27,492 |
| 23 years | $31,598 |
| 25 years | $35,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
While the average cost of a solar system in Clay is $15,624, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clay average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Clay homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $23,096 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,070 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,180 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,428 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,812 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,334 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,994 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,790 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Clay, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
The average cost of solar panels in Clay is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.