Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbiana, AL (2024 Update)
- Columbiana Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
- 25-Year Savings: $35,532
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbiana
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Columbiana.
In Columbiana, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbiana, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $22,070, or $31,560 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Columbiana depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbiana find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Columbiana that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbiana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,223 |
| 3 years | $-16,527 |
| 5 years | $-12,832 |
| 7 years | $-9,137 |
| 9 years | $-5,442 |
| 11 years | $-1,747 |
| 13 years | $1,948 |
| 15 years | $5,644 |
| 17 years | $9,339 |
| 19 years | $13,034 |
| 21 years | $16,729 |
| 23 years | $20,424 |
| 25 years | $24,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbiana
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Columbiana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbiana
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Columbiana: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Columbiana, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Columbiana average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease 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 financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Columbiana, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Columbiana have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,644 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,250 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,051 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,047 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,239 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,626 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $61,209 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,987 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Columbiana, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Columbiana, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbiana?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbiana is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.