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.Because a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Talladega, the average price of going solar will be about $22,217 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Talladega find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Talladega for a quote for your home.
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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Talladega, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Talladega
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Talladega
For many Talladega homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Talladega, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Talladega, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Talladega, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Talladega is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Talladega know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels 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.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Talladega, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Talladega?
The average cost of solar panels in Talladega is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Talladega is currently $146,364, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,001 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Talladega is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.