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.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Oneonta depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Oneonta can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Oneonta for a personalized quote.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Oneonta, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Oneonta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Oneonta provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oneonta is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oneonta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.