Solar Panel Cost Guide in Phenix City, AL (2024 Update)
- Phenix City Solar Installation Cost: $21,594
- 25-Year Savings: $34,583
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Phenix City
We go over average solar pricing in Phenix City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Phenix City typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Phenix City is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,594 for a solar installation, or $30,879 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Phenix City homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Phenix City see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Phenix City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Phenix City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,794 |
| 3 years | $-16,193 |
| 5 years | $-12,592 |
| 7 years | $-8,991 |
| 9 years | $-5,391 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $1,811 |
| 15 years | $5,412 |
| 17 years | $9,013 |
| 19 years | $12,614 |
| 21 years | $16,214 |
| 23 years | $19,815 |
| 25 years | $23,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Phenix City
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Phenix City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Phenix City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Phenix City is $21,594, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Phenix City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Phenix City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Phenix City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $18,520 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,084 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,844 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,799 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,949 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,295 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,837 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,574 | 9.8 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Phenix City, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Phenix City?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Phenix City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Phenix City have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Phenix City?
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.