Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Madison County, AL | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Madison County, AL in 2024?
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You'll pay $3.96 per watt in Madison County, AL in November, 2024 to go solar.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce, you will have to invest, on average, $3,960 for installation. You are able to come to this conclusion by utilizing this rate price cost per watt above. Subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel install in Madison County typically costs $13,860. It's worth noting that a bigger system may be needed to fulfill your energy demands.
By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. The following outline, 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.
Madison County: $13,860US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Madison County: 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.
Madison County: $12,830US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Madison County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Madison County.
Roof size 1,073sq. ft.
Capacity 15kW DC
Electricity 18.1kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Madison County, AL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Madison County, energy consumers generally see an average electric bill of 135.96 each month, with an average consumption of 1,200 kWh. Small houses, including studio apartments or condos, are also included in the numbers cited in the prior sentence.
In November 2024, the average electricity rate in Madison County, AL is 11.33¢ per kWh.
Right now, a 10 kW solar installation will have an initial cost of about $39,600 initially, but the federal tax credit will give you back 30%, bringing the total down to $27,720.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Madison County
On your left, we have provided a full pricing details for the different solar panel system sizes set up in Madison County. The larger the solar array, the larger the initial expense, but also the more considerable electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.
In the solar panel cost calculator found down and to the right, you can examine a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $135.96 electric bill in Madison County. For custom results, change the $135.96 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $964 a year
Est. Price
$16,632
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,767 kWh
Est. monthly savings $80
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 154 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,297 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$19,404
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,228 kWh
Est. monthly savings $94
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.91 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 180 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,680 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,286 a year
Est. Price
$22,176
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,689 kWh
Est. monthly savings $107
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.47 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 205 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,062 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,447 a year
Est. Price
$24,948
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,151 kWh
Est. monthly savings $121
Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.03 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 231 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,445 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,607 a year
Est. Price
$27,720
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,612 kWh
Est. monthly savings $134
Full payback in 17 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 257 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 13,828 mi less a year
Madison County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you own a farm or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
With the accessibility of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a feasible solution for most homeowners, especially in various parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local initiatives to encourage solar energy adoption.
Alabama residents have access to 4 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from different utilities and governmental agencies.
Solar incentives in ALIncentive Description Value
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 Madison County, AL?
Homeowners in Madison County who plan to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an clear choice. A 5 kW solar system in Madison County, AL could potentially save you $18,770.4 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Madison County, AL
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the earlier mentioned savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that full reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Over the last several years, utilities in Alabama have had an average of 1.72 outages per customer annually. The average length of an outage is 206.39 minutes. In events like lightning strikes, planned maintenance, or grid management errors, this duration can extend significantly.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Madison County.
Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could ease the strain of possible future power disruptions you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Madison County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Madison County, AL?
Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is greater, the price per watt reduces as the system gets larger. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Like many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels on the market. Your installer’s system preferences might necessitate choosing a recommended contractor. The selection of high-quality makes and models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Most installation experts use panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other impediments may add to the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and incorporate these factors in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees receive varying wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Higher wages typically lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees vary by area and will affect your final install price. Quality local installers will build these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.
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Madison County, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During November, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Madison County, AL is $3.96/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Madison County, AL will cost approximately $13,860 after applying the federal tax credit.
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 financially beneficial. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will include this information into your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Madison County, AL generally see a payback time of 8 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $18,770.4 over a 20-year period.