Solar Panel Cost Guide in Semmes, AL (Mar 2023)
- Semmes Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $36,699
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Semmes
We break down average solar pricing in Semmes.
In Semmes, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average Semmes homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,629 with the federal tax credit, or $20,919 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Semmes homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Semmes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,576 |
| 3 years | $-8,470 |
| 5 years | $-4,363 |
| 7 years | $-257 |
| 9 years | $3,849 |
| 11 years | $7,955 |
| 13 years | $12,061 |
| 15 years | $16,168 |
| 17 years | $20,274 |
| 19 years | $24,380 |
| 21 years | $28,486 |
| 23 years | $32,593 |
| 25 years | $36,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Semmes
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Semmes:
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 Semmes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Semmes
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Semmes is $14,629, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Semmes. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Semmes to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Semmes homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $25,384 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $34,120 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $42,993 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $52,004 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $61,151 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $70,436 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $79,858 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $89,417 | 6.4 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Semmes, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Semmes?
The average cost of solar panels in Semmes 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Semmes?
Solar panels aren't free in Semmes, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Semmes?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Semmes?
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.