Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rainsville, AL (2024 Update)
- Rainsville Solar Installation Cost: $22,865
- 25-Year Savings: $9,197
- Payback Period: 22.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rainsville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rainsville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rainsville is 3 per watt.Because a 9.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rainsville, the average price of going solar will be about $22,865 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $11,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rainsville find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Rainsville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rainsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,330 |
| 3 years | $-18,258 |
| 5 years | $-15,187 |
| 7 years | $-12,115 |
| 9 years | $-9,044 |
| 11 years | $-5,973 |
| 13 years | $-2,901 |
| 15 years | $170 |
| 17 years | $3,241 |
| 19 years | $6,313 |
| 21 years | $9,384 |
| 23 years | $12,456 |
| 25 years | $15,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Rainsville
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Rainsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rainsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Rainsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Rainsville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $942 | 23.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $1,646 | 23.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $2,547 | 22.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $3,642 | 22.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $4,933 | 21.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $6,420 | 21.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $8,102 | 20.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $9,979 | 20.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rainsville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Rainsville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rainsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Rainsville is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rainsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives 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 Rainsville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.