Solar Panel Cost Guide in Russellville, AL (Mar 2023)
- Russellville Solar Installation Cost: $15,898
- 25-Year Savings: $29,832
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Russellville
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Russellville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Russellville it's 2.45 per watt. Since a 9.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Russellville, the average price of going solar will be about $15,898 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Russellville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Russellville homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Russellville for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Russellville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,069 |
| 3 years | $-10,410 |
| 5 years | $-6,752 |
| 7 years | $-3,094 |
| 9 years | $565 |
| 11 years | $4,223 |
| 13 years | $7,882 |
| 15 years | $11,540 |
| 17 years | $15,199 |
| 19 years | $18,857 |
| 21 years | $22,516 |
| 23 years | $26,174 |
| 25 years | $29,832 |
Top Solar Installers in Russellville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Russellville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Russellville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Russellville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Russellville'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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $18,890 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $25,461 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $32,169 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $39,014 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $45,997 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $53,116 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $60,373 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $67,767 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- 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 expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Russellville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Russellville?
The average cost of solar panels in Russellville is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Russellville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Russellville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Russellville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Russellville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.