Solar Panel Cost Guide in West End Cobb Town, AL (Mar 2023)
- West End Cobb Town Solar Installation Cost: $15,778
- 25-Year Savings: $35,371
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West End Cobb Town
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West End Cobb Town.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West End Cobb Town it's 2.45 per watt. The average West End Cobb Town homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,778 with the federal tax credit, or $22,563 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West End Cobb Town homeowner. 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, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in West End Cobb Town for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West End Cobb Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,732 |
| 3 years | $-9,640 |
| 5 years | $-5,548 |
| 7 years | $-1,456 |
| 9 years | $2,636 |
| 11 years | $6,728 |
| 13 years | $10,819 |
| 15 years | $14,911 |
| 17 years | $19,003 |
| 19 years | $23,095 |
| 21 years | $27,187 |
| 23 years | $31,279 |
| 25 years | $35,371 |
Top Solar Installers in West End Cobb Town
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to 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:
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 West End Cobb Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West End Cobb Town
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in West End Cobb Town: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in West End Cobb Town. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to 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 equipment pricing, 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 | $22,653 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,478 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,441 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,541 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,778 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,152 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,663 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,312 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 West End Cobb Town, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West End Cobb Town?
The average cost of solar panels in West End Cobb Town is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West End Cobb Town?
A solar panel system isn't free in West End Cobb Town, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in West End Cobb Town?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get 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 take a 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 get 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.