Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, AL (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $22,878
- 25-Year Savings: $10,677
- Payback Period: 21.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Athens.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Athens generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Athens is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,878 for a solar installation, or $32,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Athens can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,522 |
| 3 years | $-18,809 |
| 5 years | $-16,096 |
| 7 years | $-13,383 |
| 9 years | $-10,670 |
| 11 years | $-7,957 |
| 13 years | $-5,244 |
| 15 years | $-2,532 |
| 17 years | $181 |
| 19 years | $2,894 |
| 21 years | $5,607 |
| 23 years | $8,320 |
| 25 years | $11,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Athens have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Athens, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $1,886 | 22.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $2,906 | 21.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $4,121 | 21.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $5,531 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $7,137 | 20.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $8,939 | 20.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $10,936 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $13,128 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Athens, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
The average cost of solar panels in Athens 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Athens?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Athens. However, you may still be able to afford 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 it worth going solar in Athens?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.