Solar Panel Cost Guide in Talladega, AL (2024 Update)
- Talladega Solar Installation Cost: $22,217
- 25-Year Savings: $33,826
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Talladega
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Talladega.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Talladega, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Talladega, most homeowners require a 9.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $22,217, or $31,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Talladega depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Talladega see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Talladega, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Talladega
| 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 Talladega
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
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 nearby:
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 Talladega
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Talladega
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Talladega is $22,217, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Talladega average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Talladega homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Talladega is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,362 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,540 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,914 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $36,483 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $43,248 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $50,208 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $57,363 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $64,714 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Talladega, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Talladega?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.