Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elba, AL (2023 Update)
- Elba Solar Installation Cost: $14,920
- 25-Year Savings: $37,411
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elba
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Elba.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elba generally cost about 2.45. Because a 8.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Elba, the average price of going solar will be about $14,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Elba homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Elba, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elba
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,827 |
| 3 years | $-8,641 |
| 5 years | $-4,454 |
| 7 years | $-268 |
| 9 years | $3,919 |
| 11 years | $8,105 |
| 13 years | $12,292 |
| 15 years | $16,478 |
| 17 years | $20,665 |
| 19 years | $24,851 |
| 21 years | $29,038 |
| 23 years | $33,224 |
| 25 years | $37,411 |
Top Solar Installers in Elba
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Elba
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elba
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Elba is $14,920, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Elba to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Elba homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Elba's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $25,373 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $34,105 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $42,974 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $51,980 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $61,124 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $70,405 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $79,823 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $89,378 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While 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 deciding.
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 Elba, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elba?
The average cost of solar panels in Elba 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Elba?
Solar panels aren't free in Elba, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Elba, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Elba?
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 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.