Solar Panel Cost Guide in Talladega, AL (2023 Update)
- Talladega Solar Installation Cost: $15,589
- 25-Year Savings: $33,833
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Talladega
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Talladega.
In Talladega, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Talladega is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,589 for a solar installation, or $22,292 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Talladega homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look 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 return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Talladega
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,612 |
| 3 years | $-9,659 |
| 5 years | $-5,705 |
| 7 years | $-1,751 |
| 9 years | $2,203 |
| 11 years | $6,157 |
| 13 years | $10,110 |
| 15 years | $14,064 |
| 17 years | $18,018 |
| 19 years | $21,972 |
| 21 years | $25,926 |
| 23 years | $29,880 |
| 25 years | $33,833 |
Top Solar Installers in Talladega
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Talladega, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Talladega: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Talladega homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Talladega, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,905 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,481 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,194 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,045 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,032 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $61,157 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,419 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,818 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Talladega?
You can't get solar panels for free in Talladega. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.