Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rainbow City, AL (Mar 2023)
- Rainbow City Solar Installation Cost: $15,864
- 25-Year Savings: $35,464
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rainbow City
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rainbow City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rainbow City it's 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rainbow City is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,864 for a solar installation, or $22,686 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rainbow City find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Rainbow City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rainbow City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,811 |
| 3 years | $-9,704 |
| 5 years | $-5,598 |
| 7 years | $-1,492 |
| 9 years | $2,614 |
| 11 years | $6,720 |
| 13 years | $10,827 |
| 15 years | $14,933 |
| 17 years | $19,039 |
| 19 years | $23,145 |
| 21 years | $27,252 |
| 23 years | $31,358 |
| 25 years | $35,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Rainbow City
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Rainbow City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rainbow City
There are several criteria that can determine your total 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
Solar 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rainbow City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rainbow City have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $22,603 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,412 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,358 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,441 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,661 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,019 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,514 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,146 | 7.0 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Rainbow City, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rainbow City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rainbow City?
A solar panel system isn't free in Rainbow City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Rainbow City 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 utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.