Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oneonta, AL (2023 Update)
- Oneonta Solar Installation Cost: $15,831
- 25-Year Savings: $35,497
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oneonta
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Oneonta.
In Oneonta, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Oneonta, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,829, or $22,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Oneonta homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oneonta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,983 |
| 3 years | $-10,288 |
| 5 years | $-6,593 |
| 7 years | $-2,898 |
| 9 years | $797 |
| 11 years | $4,492 |
| 13 years | $8,187 |
| 15 years | $11,883 |
| 17 years | $15,578 |
| 19 years | $19,273 |
| 21 years | $22,968 |
| 23 years | $26,663 |
| 25 years | $30,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Oneonta
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling 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 company 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 Oneonta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oneonta
The cost of installing a solar system in Oneonta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oneonta, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Oneonta to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Oneonta, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,661 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,489 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,454 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,556 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,796 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,172 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,686 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,337 | 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Oneonta, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oneonta?
The average cost of solar panels in Oneonta is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oneonta?
You can't get solar panels for free in Oneonta. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.