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

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

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

In Calera, AL, the cost per watt for solar panel installations is around $3.95 per watt in October, 2024.

It will cost $3,950, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system is able to generate. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar system in Calera generally comes out to around $13,825. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be big enough to adequately cover your energy consumption.

To the left, you can choose your county to find the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. The following overview, below, highlights the costs, 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.
Calera: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Calera: 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.
Calera: $24,969US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Calera

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

Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 13.2kkWh AC per yr.

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

Calera residents typically consume 1,142 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $186.33. It’s worth noting that this number accounts for apartments and other smaller dwellings, which generally require lower energy consumption.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Calera, AL is on average 16.32¢ per kWh.

In Calera, a system size of 10 kW or larger is a must for the typical electricity consumer to account for their full energy needs. At this time, a 10 kW solar panel system will initially set you back around $39,500, but the 30% tax credit lowers the cost to $27,650.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Calera

On the left, you will find a cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Calera. Of course, a bigger solar system implies a higher upfront cost, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The calculator below and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $186.33 in Calera. For tailored results, update the $186.33 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.

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 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 170 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,163 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 4.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 198 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,690 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 4.94 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,217 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 $181
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 255 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,744 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 $186
  • 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

Calera Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small business owners and farmers could receive REAP Grant funding covering between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. Think you fit this category? Confirm your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to nearly everyone, which makes solar a sensible option in many states. In conjunction with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

A total of 4 solar rebates and incentives are available in Alabama through different utility companies and government departments.

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 your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, investing in solar panels is a smart option in Calera. A 5 kW solar system in Calera, AL might save you an average of $30,894.2 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Calera, AL

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that complete dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.

Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer in Calera has been 1.12 annually. Each outage, on average, lasts for 110.26 minutes. In the case of major events like aging infrastructure, earthquakes or planned maintenance, this period can rise substantially.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Shelby County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a larger upfront cost, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size expands. Installing a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is useful to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Buyers often find that employing better quality makes and models leads to a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's no surprise that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Many solar panel installers prefer this type of material.

Your Property - Elements like sloped land, trees, or additional hurdles might complicate the installation process. Solar installers currently have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The different employee wages paid by companies lead to costs that consumers ultimately bearing . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area, will impact your installation cost. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Calera?

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

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • 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.

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

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

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

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

Tungsten Electric

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

Services

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

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

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

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

Calera, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Calera, AL is $3.95/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Calera, AL drops to roughly $13,825.

  • There are 4 rebates and incentives available in Alabama from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash offers the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be specified in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Calera, AL pay for themselves in 6 years, with homeowners saving approximately $30,894.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01