Solar Panels Cost 16k-27k in Auburn, AL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Auburn, AL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Auburn, AL in 2024?

Going solar averages out to $3.95 per watt in Auburn, AL in the month of October, 2024.

Applying the rate per watt, solar panel installations will cost you about $3,950 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of generation capacity. Typically, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel install in Auburn, after a 30% federal tax credit, is approximately $13,825. A more powerful system may be required to satisfy your energy demands.

On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. The following summary, below, highlights the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Auburn: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Auburn: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Auburn: $23,503US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Auburn

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Auburn.

Roof size 876sq. ft.
Capacity 12.25kW DC
Electricity 15.3kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Auburn, AL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

For Auburn energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $180.22 per month, with a usage of 1,142 kWh. Bear in mind that this figure encompasses apartments and smaller homes with generally reduced energy requirements.

The average rate for electricity in Auburn, AL during October, 2024 is 15.78¢ per kWh.

In Auburn, the average electricity consumer needs a solar power setup of 10 kW or larger to account for their entire power usage needs. The estimated cost for a 10 kW solar installation will be $39,500 before incentives, but with a 30% federal tax credit, it drops to $27,650.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Auburn

Located below and to the left, there is the pricing details for various sizes of solar panel systems installed in Auburn. While a more extensive solar installation comes with a larger expense, it also offers greater electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located below and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $180.22 in Auburn. Replace the $180.22 with your typical electricity bill to get more detailed results.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,450 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,468 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,692 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $141
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 205 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,046 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,934 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $161
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 234 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,624 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,176 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $180
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 262 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,100 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,417 a year
Est. Price
$27,650
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 15,109 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $180
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 262 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,100 mi less a year

Auburn Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Wondering if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you find out.

Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for installing residential solar panels, which makes solar power a feasible option across much of the country. Moreover, many state and local programs are intended to encourage more people to adopt solar power.

In Alabama, multiple utilities and government organizations offer 4 solar rebate and incentive programs.

Solar incentives in AL

Local Government Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

Through its public-private partnership with PowerSouth, Alabama's Local Government Energy Loan Program offers zero-interest loans to governments and educational institutes for improvements involving renewable energy sources. The loans are repayable through savings on utility bills. They may borrow up to $350,000 for eligible projects, while schools may ask for $350,000 pr campus or $500,000 per system. There is a minimum loan of $50,000. An energy audit must be completed to identify improvements and the recipient must be benchmarked using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager program following installation. Details and application are available on the program website.

Local Option- Sales Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Facilities

Value:Varies

In order to encourage renewable energy sources, Alabama allows local governments to provide exemptions and abatement for qualifying renewable energy facilities; the precise governmental body depends on the size of the facility. Facilities may also qualify for a reduced tax rate of 1.5%, although it was only available until 2019. Hydroelectric power is exempted from the definition of renewable energy resource, but most other renewable resources do meet the definition. Note that the local government can impose an additional sales or use tax. The exemption and abatement only apply to the noneducational portion of the sales tax.

Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities

Value:Varies

Alabama provides abatement of property tax for qualifying renewable energy facilities for the noneducational part of the property tax. While most renewable resources are included in the program, hydroelectric power is exempted. The property tax abatement is based on the annual value of the assessed value. The abatement may be given for ten years and extended for another ten years, for a total of twenty years, depending on the permission of the local authority. Interested facilities can apply with the local governmental body. The local authority will perform a cost/benefit analysis to determine the maximum exemption period for the abatement.

AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program

Value:Varies

Alabama SAVES funds subordinated participating interests in qualified third-party loans for financing energy projects of existing Alabama businesses. The participating interest can be 25% of the loan or 100% of the cost of the project, whichever is lower. Before funding can be awarded, the project must undergo an energy assessment and an estimated energy savings impact must be submitted to ensure the loan will be paid back within 10 years. This program was initially capitalized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Program and is offered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Please see the program website for information and program materials.

Are solar panels worth it in Alabama?

If you expect living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is an smart decision in Auburn. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Auburn, AL will, on average, save you $29,427.8 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Auburn, AL

The absence of solar panels or another backup power source results in missing out on the previously highlighted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. Recent news coverage has revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.

The utilities in Auburn have averaged about 1.57 outages per customer per year recently. On average, the length of an outage is 220.65 minutes. Major events like thunderstorms, equipment failure, or vandalism can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar energy system could help mitigate the effects of future outages, with or without a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Lee County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Auburn, AL?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in optimal savings.

Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels. Because the installer you select might have particular brand preferences, choosing a reputable contractor is even more important. Consumers who opt for better equipment usually enjoy a more favorable long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have established themselves as the standard in the industry, and justifiably so. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Many installers choose panels made using this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like uneven land, trees, or additional challenges can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, the majority of solar installers are able to utilize satellite images to assess your home and incorporate these elements for the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The pay employees get from their employers are different, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Businesses often get higher reviews for their services and customer service when they offer better wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be affected by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by location. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Auburn?

Eagle Solar and Light

Birmingham, AL(205) 202-2208

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Tungsten Electric

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government, TN(615) 491-0206

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Auburn, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The cost per watt for solar panels in Auburn, AL during October of 2024 averages $3.95/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Auburn, AL after federal tax credits is around $13,825.
  • Residents of Alabama can currently take advantage of 4 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Even though paying cash yields the best savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Information about financing options is typically provided in initial quotes provided by installers.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Auburn, AL stands at 6 years, yielding average electricity savings of $29,427.8 over 20 years.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01