Solar Panel Cost Guide in Semmes, AL (2024 Update)
- Semmes Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $36,692
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Semmes
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Semmes.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Semmes, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Semmes, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,849, or $29,814 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Semmes find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Semmes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Semmes
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Semmes, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Semmes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Semmes
Though the average cost of a solar system in Semmes is $20,849, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,490. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Semmes homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Semmes, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $20,842 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $28,180 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $35,713 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $43,442 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $51,367 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $59,487 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $67,802 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $76,313 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Semmes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Semmes, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Semmes?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Semmes?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Semmes. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.