Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oneonta, AL (2024 Update)
- Oneonta Solar Installation Cost: $22,551
- 25-Year Savings: $35,497
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oneonta
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oneonta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oneonta, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Oneonta, the average price of going solar will be about $22,551 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oneonta homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oneonta find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oneonta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,704 |
| 3 years | $-17,008 |
| 5 years | $-13,313 |
| 7 years | $-9,618 |
| 9 years | $-5,923 |
| 11 years | $-2,228 |
| 13 years | $1,467 |
| 15 years | $5,163 |
| 17 years | $8,858 |
| 19 years | $12,553 |
| 21 years | $16,248 |
| 23 years | $19,943 |
| 25 years | $23,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Oneonta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,490 per kilowatt in Oneonta.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Oneonta homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Oneonta, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $18,118 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,548 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,174 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,995 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,011 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,223 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,631 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,233 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 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 $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oneonta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Oneonta?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Oneonta?
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 amount 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.