Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cullman, AL (2024 Update)
- Cullman Solar Installation Cost: $22,596
- 25-Year Savings: $15,752
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cullman
We go over average solar pricing in Cullman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cullman it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cullman is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,596 for a solar installation, or $32,312 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cullman homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Cullman can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Cullman that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cullman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,873 |
| 3 years | $-17,427 |
| 5 years | $-13,981 |
| 7 years | $-10,536 |
| 9 years | $-7,090 |
| 11 years | $-3,644 |
| 13 years | $-198 |
| 15 years | $3,248 |
| 17 years | $6,694 |
| 19 years | $10,140 |
| 21 years | $13,586 |
| 23 years | $17,031 |
| 25 years | $20,477 |
Top Solar Installers in Cullman
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cullman, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Cullman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cullman
For many Cullman homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cullman, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cullman, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cullman average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cullman, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cullman homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cullman is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $5,264 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $7,409 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $9,750 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $12,287 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $15,019 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $17,946 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $21,068 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $24,387 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Cullman, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cullman?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity 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 $683.61 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.