Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selma, AL (2023 Update)
- Selma Solar Installation Cost: $15,060
- 25-Year Savings: $40,044
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selma
See how much it might cost to go solar in Selma.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Selma, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. Because a 8.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Selma, the average price of going solar will be about $15,058 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Selma based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Selma homeowner can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Selma, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Selma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,213 |
| 3 years | $-9,517 |
| 5 years | $-5,822 |
| 7 years | $-2,127 |
| 9 years | $1,568 |
| 11 years | $5,263 |
| 13 years | $8,958 |
| 15 years | $12,653 |
| 17 years | $16,349 |
| 19 years | $20,044 |
| 21 years | $23,739 |
| 23 years | $27,434 |
| 25 years | $31,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Selma
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Selma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selma
While the average cost of a solar system in Selma is $15,058, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Selma, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Selma average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Selma provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Selma is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $26,949 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $36,206 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $45,600 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $55,132 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $64,801 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $74,607 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $84,550 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $94,631 | 6.1 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:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Selma, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Selma?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Selma have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 take a 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 cover 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.