Solar Panel Cost Guide in Phenix City, AL (2024 Update)
- Phenix City Solar Installation Cost: $21,594
- 25-Year Savings: $34,583
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Phenix City
We go over average solar pricing in Phenix City.
In Phenix City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Phenix City is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,594 for a solar installation, or $30,879 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Phenix City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,794 |
| 3 years | $-16,193 |
| 5 years | $-12,592 |
| 7 years | $-8,991 |
| 9 years | $-5,391 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $1,811 |
| 15 years | $5,412 |
| 17 years | $9,013 |
| 19 years | $12,614 |
| 21 years | $16,214 |
| 23 years | $19,815 |
| 25 years | $23,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Phenix City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Phenix City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Phenix City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Phenix City is $21,594, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Phenix City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Phenix City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Phenix City is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $18,520 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,084 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,844 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,799 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,949 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,295 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,837 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,574 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Phenix City, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Phenix City?
The average cost of solar panels in Phenix City is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Phenix City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Phenix City?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Phenix City?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.