Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, AL (2023 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $15,835
- 25-Year Savings: $35,685
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
We go over average solar pricing in Piedmont.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Piedmont generally cost about 2.45. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Piedmont, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,829, or $22,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Piedmont based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Piedmont can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Piedmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,988 |
| 3 years | $-10,293 |
| 5 years | $-6,597 |
| 7 years | $-2,902 |
| 9 years | $793 |
| 11 years | $4,488 |
| 13 years | $8,183 |
| 15 years | $11,878 |
| 17 years | $15,574 |
| 19 years | $19,269 |
| 21 years | $22,964 |
| 23 years | $26,659 |
| 25 years | $30,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 factors that can affect your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in Piedmont. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Piedmont average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Piedmont homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Piedmont, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Piedmont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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?
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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Piedmont have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 Piedmont?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.