Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelika, AL (2024 Update)
- Opelika Solar Installation Cost: $21,715
- 25-Year Savings: $33,329
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelika
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Opelika.
The average cost of a solar system in Opelika is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Opelika, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $21,715, or $31,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Opelika find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Opelika
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,868 |
| 3 years | $-16,172 |
| 5 years | $-12,477 |
| 7 years | $-8,782 |
| 9 years | $-5,087 |
| 11 years | $-1,392 |
| 13 years | $2,303 |
| 15 years | $5,998 |
| 17 years | $9,694 |
| 19 years | $13,389 |
| 21 years | $17,084 |
| 23 years | $20,779 |
| 25 years | $24,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Opelika
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Opelika, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Opelika, we've 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 Opelika
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Opelika
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Opelika, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,543 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,782 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,215 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $36,845 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $43,670 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $50,690 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $57,906 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $65,317 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Opelika, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Opelika?
The average cost of solar panels in Opelika 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Opelika?
On average, solar panels can last 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.