Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelika, AL (Mar 2023)
- Opelika Solar Installation Cost: $15,246
- 25-Year Savings: $33,327
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelika
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Opelika.
The average cost of a solar system in Opelika is 2.45 per watt. Since a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Opelika, the average price of going solar will be about $15,246 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Opelika homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high initial cost, the average Opelika homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized 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 | $-13,303 |
| 3 years | $-9,418 |
| 5 years | $-5,532 |
| 7 years | $-1,646 |
| 9 years | $2,240 |
| 11 years | $6,126 |
| 13 years | $10,012 |
| 15 years | $13,898 |
| 17 years | $17,783 |
| 19 years | $21,669 |
| 21 years | $25,555 |
| 23 years | $29,441 |
| 25 years | $33,327 |
Top Solar Installers in Opelika
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Opelika, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Opelika can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Opelika, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original 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 remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Opelika, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 down 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 | $22,086 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,722 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,495 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,406 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,454 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $61,639 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,961 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $78,421 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Opelika?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Opelika?
You can't get solar panels for free in Opelika. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Opelika?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.