Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wetumpka, AL (2024 Update)
- Wetumpka Solar Installation Cost: $21,597
- 25-Year Savings: $35,740
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wetumpka
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wetumpka.
In Wetumpka, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Wetumpka, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $21,597, or $30,884 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wetumpka homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wetumpka find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wetumpka
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-19,749 |
3 years | $-16,054 |
5 years | $-12,359 |
7 years | $-8,663 |
9 years | $-4,968 |
11 years | $-1,273 |
13 years | $2,422 |
15 years | $6,117 |
17 years | $9,812 |
19 years | $13,507 |
21 years | $17,203 |
23 years | $20,898 |
25 years | $24,593 |
Top Solar Installers in Wetumpka
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Wetumpka, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wetumpka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wetumpka
The cost of installing a solar system in Wetumpka can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wetumpka, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Wetumpka offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Wetumpka, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $19,303 | 11.0 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $26,128 | 10.8 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $33,149 | 10.6 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $40,365 | 10.4 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,777 | 10.2 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $55,384 | 10.0 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $63,186 | 9.8 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $71,184 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Wetumpka, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wetumpka?
The average cost of solar panels in Wetumpka 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wetumpka?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wetumpka, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wetumpka is currently $260,192, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,668 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wetumpka is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.