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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wetumpka it’s 3 per watt.The average Wetumpka homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,597 with the federal tax credit, or $30,884 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Wetumpka based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Wetumpka homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wetumpka:
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 Wetumpka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wetumpka
For many Wetumpka homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wetumpka, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Wetumpka, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wetumpka, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wetumpka homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Wetumpka’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 costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wetumpka, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Wetumpka, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wetumpka?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wetumpka?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Wetumpka. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.