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

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

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

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

Based on this rate per watt, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar generation capacity will require an investment of $3,950 for installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar setup in Decatur will cost you $13,825. Remember that a bigger system could be required to fulfill your energy demands.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are 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.
Decatur: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Decatur: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Decatur: $15,806US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Decatur

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

Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 11.2kkWh AC per yr.

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

Decatur residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $148.15 per month, with a typical usage of 1,237 kWh. Smaller homes, such as apartments, are also covered in the numbers mentioned in the prior sentence.

Decatur, AL's electricity rate is 11.98¢ per kWh in October 2024.

Typical electricity users in Decatur need a solar panel system of 10 kW or more to take care of their full power demands. Upfront, a 10 kWsolar panel installation costs around $39,500, after the 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $27,650.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Decatur

To the left, we present a comprehensive pricing details for different solar panel system sizes installed in Decatur. Although a more extensive solar installation has a greater cost, it also yields increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $148.15 electric bill for Decatur. Just change the $148.15 to your typical electricity bill for more precise results.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,088 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.49 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 160 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,637 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,269 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $106
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.07 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 187 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,076 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,450 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.65 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 214 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,515 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,632 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $136
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.23 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 240 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,955 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,813 a year
Est. Price
$27,650
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 15,109 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $148
  • Full payback in 16 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

Decatur Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. If you believe you might be eligible, we suggest using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar power a good investment in various parts of the country. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to further promote the adoption of solar power.

Alabama residents have access to 4 solar rebate and incentive programs from multiple utilities and governmental 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 Decatur planning to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the clear choice. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Decatur, AL could save you approximately $21,731, with the average break even time being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Decatur, AL

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent media coverage has made it clear that relying solely on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Morgan County has been about 2.43. On average, an outage lasts 358.03 minutes. Major events such as overloaded power grids, landslides or construction accidents can significantly extend these time frames.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the pressure of future outages you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Morgan County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is higher, the cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Selecting an installer with specific brand preferences means it's even more vital important to go with a highly rated company. The selection of better materials can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the go-to choice in the industry. Even though they are more expensive, they provide more energy. Many installers work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges may complicate the installation. Today, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Frequently, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will affect the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will integrate these figures into your first 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 Decatur?

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.

Decatur, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Decatur, AL as of October, 2024 is estimated at $3.95/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Decatur, AL is estimated to cost $13,825.

  • Utilities and government agencies in Alabama are currently offering 4 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash will result in the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Financing options from installers will often be specified in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, homeowners in Decatur, AL generally see a payback time of 8 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $21,731 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01