Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selma, AL (2024 Update)

  • Selma Solar Installation Cost: $21,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $40,044
  • Payback Period: 9.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selma

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Selma.

In Selma, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 8.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Selma, the average price of going solar will be about $21,453 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Selma can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Selma for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Selma

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,606
3 years $-15,910
5 years $-12,215
7 years $-8,520
9 years $-4,825
11 years $-1,130
13 years $2,565
15 years $6,261
17 years $9,956
19 years $13,651
21 years $17,346
23 years $21,041
25 years $24,736

Top Solar Installers in Selma

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Selma

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selma

For many Selma homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Selma, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Selma, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Selma, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 $3.63 $15,244 $22,406 10.1 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $30,265 9.9 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $38,320 9.7 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $46,571 9.5 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $55,017 9.3 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $63,658 9.1 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $72,495 9.0 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $81,527 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Selma, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Selma?

The average cost of solar panels in Selma is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Selma?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Selma. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Selma, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get 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.

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