Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wetumpka, AL (2023 Update)
- Wetumpka Solar Installation Cost: $15,161
- 25-Year Savings: $35,741
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wetumpka
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wetumpka.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wetumpka it's 2.45 per watt. The average Wetumpka homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,161 with the federal tax credit, or $21,680 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Wetumpka depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Wetumpka can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wetumpka that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wetumpka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,125 |
| 3 years | $-9,052 |
| 5 years | $-4,980 |
| 7 years | $-908 |
| 9 years | $3,164 |
| 11 years | $7,236 |
| 13 years | $11,308 |
| 15 years | $15,380 |
| 17 years | $19,452 |
| 19 years | $23,524 |
| 21 years | $27,596 |
| 23 years | $31,669 |
| 25 years | $35,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Wetumpka
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Wetumpka, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Wetumpka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wetumpka
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Wetumpka, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wetumpka homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Wetumpka's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $23,846 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $32,069 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $40,429 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $48,926 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $57,561 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $66,333 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $75,242 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $84,288 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 Wetumpka, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wetumpka?
The average cost of solar panels in Wetumpka is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wetumpka?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,151.58 per year.
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 larger 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.