Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbiana, AL (2023 Update)
- Columbiana Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $35,539
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbiana
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Columbiana.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbiana typically cost around 2.45. Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $15,486 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Columbiana homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbiana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,445 |
| 3 years | $-9,363 |
| 5 years | $-5,281 |
| 7 years | $-1,199 |
| 9 years | $2,883 |
| 11 years | $6,965 |
| 13 years | $11,047 |
| 15 years | $15,129 |
| 17 years | $19,211 |
| 19 years | $23,293 |
| 21 years | $27,375 |
| 23 years | $31,457 |
| 25 years | $35,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbiana
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Columbiana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbiana
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbiana can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Columbiana average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Columbiana's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $23,187 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,190 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,331 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,608 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,023 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,575 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,265 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,091 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Columbiana, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbiana?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbiana 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Columbiana?
Solar panels aren't free in Columbiana, 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,129.61 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.