Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sylacauga, AL (2024 Update)
- Sylacauga Solar Installation Cost: $22,217
- 25-Year Savings: $33,337
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sylacauga
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sylacauga.
The average cost of a solar system in Sylacauga is 3 per watt.The average Sylacauga homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,217 with the federal tax credit, or $31,770 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sylacauga homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Sylacauga homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Sylacauga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sylacauga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,370 |
| 3 years | $-16,675 |
| 5 years | $-12,980 |
| 7 years | $-9,284 |
| 9 years | $-5,589 |
| 11 years | $-1,894 |
| 13 years | $1,801 |
| 15 years | $5,496 |
| 17 years | $9,191 |
| 19 years | $12,886 |
| 21 years | $16,582 |
| 23 years | $20,277 |
| 25 years | $23,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Sylacauga
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Sylacauga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sylacauga
Although the average cost of a solar system in Sylacauga is $22,217, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sylacauga, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $17,040 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,110 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,377 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $35,838 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $42,495 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $49,348 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $56,396 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $63,639 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Sylacauga, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sylacauga?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sylacauga?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sylacauga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 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.