Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sylacauga, AL (2024 Update)
- Sylacauga Solar Installation Cost: $22,217
- 25-Year Savings: $33,337
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sylacauga
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sylacauga.
The average cost of a solar system in Sylacauga is 3 per watt.The average Sylacauga homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,217 with the federal tax credit, or $31,770 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sylacauga homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Sylacauga homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sylacauga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,370 |
| 3 years | $-16,675 |
| 5 years | $-12,980 |
| 7 years | $-9,284 |
| 9 years | $-5,589 |
| 11 years | $-1,894 |
| 13 years | $1,801 |
| 15 years | $5,496 |
| 17 years | $9,191 |
| 19 years | $12,886 |
| 21 years | $16,582 |
| 23 years | $20,277 |
| 25 years | $23,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Sylacauga
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sylacauga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sylacauga
While the average cost of a solar system in Sylacauga is $22,217, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sylacauga, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sylacauga average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Sylacauga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,040 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,110 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,377 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $35,838 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $42,495 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $49,348 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $56,396 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $63,639 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Sylacauga, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Sylacauga, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sylacauga?
The average cost of solar panels in Sylacauga 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sylacauga?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sylacauga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.