Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, AL (2023 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $15,627
- 25-Year Savings: $35,701
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clay.
In Clay, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Because a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Clay, the average price of going solar will be about $15,624 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clay can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,779 |
| 3 years | $-10,084 |
| 5 years | $-6,389 |
| 7 years | $-2,694 |
| 9 years | $1,001 |
| 11 years | $4,696 |
| 13 years | $8,392 |
| 15 years | $12,087 |
| 17 years | $15,782 |
| 19 years | $19,477 |
| 21 years | $23,172 |
| 23 years | $26,867 |
| 25 years | $30,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Clay, we've compiled 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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clay: 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clay, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clay to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind 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 solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clay?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clay. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clay?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Clay?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.