Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelika, AL (2024 Update)

  • Opelika Solar Installation Cost: $21,715
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,329
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelika

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Opelika.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Opelika it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Opelika, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $21,715, or $31,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Opelika based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Opelika

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,868
3 years $-16,172
5 years $-12,477
7 years $-8,782
9 years $-5,087
11 years $-1,392
13 years $2,303
15 years $5,998
17 years $9,694
19 years $13,389
21 years $17,084
23 years $20,779
25 years $24,474

Top Solar Installers in Opelika

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Opelika

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Opelika

For many Opelika homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Opelika, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Opelika average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Opelika, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Opelika, and each can charge different amounts 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 $17,543 11.6 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $23,782 11.4 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $30,215 11.2 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $36,845 11.0 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $43,670 10.7 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $50,690 10.5 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $57,906 10.3 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $65,317 10.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Opelika, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Opelika?

The average cost of solar panels in Opelika 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Opelika?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.

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