Solar Panel Cost Guide in Phenix City, AL (2023 Update)
- Phenix City Solar Installation Cost: $15,161
- 25-Year Savings: $34,582
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Phenix City
We break down average solar pricing in Phenix City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Phenix City it's 2.45 per watt. The average Phenix City homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,161 with the federal tax credit, or $21,680 before the 30% tax credit 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 use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Phenix City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,171 |
| 3 years | $-9,191 |
| 5 years | $-5,212 |
| 7 years | $-1,233 |
| 9 years | $2,747 |
| 11 years | $6,726 |
| 13 years | $10,706 |
| 15 years | $14,685 |
| 17 years | $18,664 |
| 19 years | $22,644 |
| 21 years | $26,623 |
| 23 years | $30,602 |
| 25 years | $34,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Phenix City
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Phenix City:
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
There are many factors that can play into your total 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 price of a solar system in Phenix City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Phenix City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Phenix City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $23,063 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,025 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,124 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,360 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,734 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,244 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,892 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,678 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Phenix City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to read 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 installation process.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Phenix City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Phenix City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Phenix City. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Phenix City is currently $132,652, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,439 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Phenix City is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.