Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, AL (2024 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $22,557
- 25-Year Savings: $35,685
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Piedmont.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Piedmont typically cost about 3.Because a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Piedmont, the average price of going solar will be about $22,557 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Piedmont depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Piedmont can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Piedmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,710 |
| 3 years | $-17,014 |
| 5 years | $-13,319 |
| 7 years | $-9,624 |
| 9 years | $-5,929 |
| 11 years | $-2,234 |
| 13 years | $1,461 |
| 15 years | $5,156 |
| 17 years | $8,852 |
| 19 years | $12,547 |
| 21 years | $16,242 |
| 23 years | $19,937 |
| 25 years | $23,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Piedmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piedmont
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Piedmont is $22,557, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Piedmont to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Piedmont’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,234 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,703 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,367 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,227 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,282 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,533 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,979 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,620 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Piedmont, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Piedmont?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Piedmont have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.