Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, AL (2024 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
- 25-Year Savings: $35,701
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
We break down average solar pricing in Clay.
The average cost of solar panels in Clay is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clay is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,260 for a solar installation, or $31,832 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clay find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Clay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,413 |
| 3 years | $-16,718 |
| 5 years | $-13,022 |
| 7 years | $-9,327 |
| 9 years | $-5,632 |
| 11 years | $-1,937 |
| 13 years | $1,758 |
| 15 years | $5,453 |
| 17 years | $9,148 |
| 19 years | $12,844 |
| 21 years | $16,539 |
| 23 years | $20,234 |
| 25 years | $23,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a top 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 sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Clay:
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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Clay average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clay to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clay homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Clay have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,554 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,129 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,900 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,866 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,028 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,385 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,938 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,686 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Clay, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clay?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clay?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Clay?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.