Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clanton, AL (2024 Update)
- Clanton Solar Installation Cost: $21,796
- 25-Year Savings: $35,600
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clanton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Clanton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clanton, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Clanton homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,796 with the federal tax credit, or $31,168 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clanton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Clanton for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clanton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,948 |
| 3 years | $-16,253 |
| 5 years | $-12,558 |
| 7 years | $-8,863 |
| 9 years | $-5,168 |
| 11 years | $-1,473 |
| 13 years | $2,223 |
| 15 years | $5,918 |
| 17 years | $9,613 |
| 19 years | $13,308 |
| 21 years | $17,003 |
| 23 years | $20,698 |
| 25 years | $24,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Clanton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Clanton, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Clanton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clanton
There are several criteria that can play into 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,490. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clanton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,987 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,707 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,622 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,733 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,040 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $54,541 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $62,238 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $70,131 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come 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 Clanton, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clanton?
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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clanton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clanton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,141.05 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.