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

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

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

The typical price per watt for solar systems in Chelsea, AL in October, 2024 is $3.95/W.

Utilizing this price per watt, you are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can produce, you will have to spend, on average, $3,950 for its installation. In Chelsea, after the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW solar system sets you back $13,825. It's important to take into account that a more powerful system might be needed to meet your energy demands.

Use the left-hand menu to choose your area and find out the average roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your county. Additionally, you can also see an analysis of the price, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Chelsea: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Chelsea: 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.
Chelsea: $24,969US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Chelsea

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

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

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

For people living in Chelsea, the average monthly electricity consumption is 1,142 kWh, with bills around $186.33. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also included in the figures mentioned in the prior sentence.

In October 2024, Chelsea, AL's average electricity rate amounts to 16.32¢ per kWh.

If you’re an average energy consumer in Chelsea, you probably will need a solar panel system sized at 10 kW or more to cover your electricity needs. Right now, a 10 kW setup will have an upfront cost of about $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 Chelsea

On the left side below, the pricing details for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Chelsea is shown. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.

The solar panel cost calculator, positioned to the right and below, gives a breakdown of costs and benefits using an average $186.33 electric bill for Chelsea. Just change the $186.33 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate 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 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

Chelsea Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The financial burden of installing solar or wind turbines for rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses could be eased with the REAP Grant, covering 80% to 100% of the costs. If you feel you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone, making solar a feasible option in various states. Furthermore, a variety of state and local programs are available to incentivize solar adoption.

There are 4 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Alabama by multiple utilities and government agencies.

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?

For homeowners in Chelsea who intend to stay in their residence beyond the solar payback period, solar panels make an smart investment. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Chelsea, AL, you can expect to save roughly $30,894.2 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Chelsea, AL

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings highlighted earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. Total reliance on your utility is not always ideal, as several recent news reports have highlighted.

Annually, customers in Chelsea face approximately 1.12 outages each year. The typical duration of each outage is 110.26 minutes. When significant events such as hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or vandalism occur, these time frames can become much longer.

Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the burden of any future power interruptions you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Shelby County.

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Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. For most consumers, installing a system that can produce enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. As your contractor may prefer particular brands, it's crucial to choose a highly rated company. Buyers who opt for high-quality materials usually enjoy a superior long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and for valid reasons. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Many installers use these kinds of panels.

Your Property - Factors like trees, uneven land, or additional hurdles may make the installation more challenging. Today, the majority of solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and include these considerations in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages that companies give their employees are different, and these expenses are ultimately reflected in consumer prices. It is typical for businesses that provide higher wages to receive better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will influence the cost of your installation. Good local installers will integrate these figures into your initial estimates to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Chelsea?

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.

Chelsea, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Chelsea, AL is $3.95/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Chelsea, AL is estimated to cost $13,825.

  • Currently, Alabama residents can benefit from 4 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Although paying in cash ensures the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Your initial quotes will often include information about financing options provided by installers.

  • Yes, in Chelsea, AL, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 6 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $30,894.2 over a 20-year period.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01