Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anniston, AL (2024 Update)
- Anniston Solar Installation Cost: $22,478
- 25-Year Savings: $23,712
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anniston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Anniston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Anniston it’s 3 per watt.The average Anniston homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,478 with the federal tax credit, or $32,144 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Anniston homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Anniston for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Anniston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,630 |
| 3 years | $-16,935 |
| 5 years | $-13,240 |
| 7 years | $-9,545 |
| 9 years | $-5,850 |
| 11 years | $-2,154 |
| 13 years | $1,541 |
| 15 years | $5,236 |
| 17 years | $8,931 |
| 19 years | $12,626 |
| 21 years | $16,321 |
| 23 years | $20,016 |
| 25 years | $23,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Anniston
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Anniston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anniston
There are a number of factors that can affect your total 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,490 per kilowatt in Anniston.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Anniston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Anniston have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Anniston is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,188 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,641 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,290 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,135 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,174 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,410 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,840 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,467 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
EcoWatch's Anniston, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Anniston?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality 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.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Anniston?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.