Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pell City, AL (2023 Update)
- Pell City Solar Installation Cost: $15,693
- 25-Year Savings: $35,481
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pell City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Pell City.
The average cost of a solar system in Pell City is 2.45 per watt. The average Pell City homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,692 with the federal tax credit, or $22,440 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Pell City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pell City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,846 |
| 3 years | $-10,151 |
| 5 years | $-6,455 |
| 7 years | $-2,760 |
| 9 years | $935 |
| 11 years | $4,630 |
| 13 years | $8,325 |
| 15 years | $12,020 |
| 17 years | $15,715 |
| 19 years | $19,411 |
| 21 years | $23,106 |
| 23 years | $26,801 |
| 25 years | $30,496 |
Top Solar Installers in Pell City
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Pell City, we've put together 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 Pell City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pell City
There are a number of factors that can influence 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
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Pell City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Pell City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk 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 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 | $22,853 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,745 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,774 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,941 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,244 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,685 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,263 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,978 | 6.9 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- 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 how long it will take.
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 Pell City, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pell City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Pell City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.