Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, AL (2023 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $15,829
- 25-Year Savings: $35,691
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
We break down average solar pricing in Piedmont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Piedmont it's 2.45 per watt. Since a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Piedmont, the average price of going solar will be about $15,829 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Piedmont homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer 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 | $-13,769 |
| 3 years | $-9,647 |
| 5 years | $-5,525 |
| 7 years | $-1,404 |
| 9 years | $2,718 |
| 11 years | $6,839 |
| 13 years | $10,961 |
| 15 years | $15,083 |
| 17 years | $19,204 |
| 19 years | $23,326 |
| 21 years | $27,447 |
| 23 years | $31,569 |
| 25 years | $35,691 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Piedmont, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Piedmont, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Piedmont homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Piedmont's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $22,777 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,643 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,647 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,788 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,066 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,482 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,035 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,724 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like 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 Piedmont, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Piedmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Piedmont is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Piedmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Piedmont?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.