Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sylacauga, AL (Mar 2023)
- Sylacauga Solar Installation Cost: $15,589
- 25-Year Savings: $33,345
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sylacauga
We go over average solar pricing in Sylacauga.
In Sylacauga, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $15,589 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sylacauga homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Sylacauga for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sylacauga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,632 |
| 3 years | $-9,717 |
| 5 years | $-5,803 |
| 7 years | $-1,888 |
| 9 years | $2,027 |
| 11 years | $5,942 |
| 13 years | $9,856 |
| 15 years | $13,771 |
| 17 years | $17,686 |
| 19 years | $21,600 |
| 21 years | $25,515 |
| 23 years | $29,430 |
| 25 years | $33,345 |
Top Solar Installers in Sylacauga
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Sylacauga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sylacauga
For many Sylacauga homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sylacauga, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sylacauga, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sylacauga homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sylacauga homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Sylacauga's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 | $21,582 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,051 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,657 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,400 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,280 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,297 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $68,452 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $76,743 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 verify 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 Sylacauga, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sylacauga?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Sylacauga?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.