Solar Panels Cost 13k-24k in Opelika, AL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $13k-$24k in Opelika, AL | October, 2024

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

For solar panels in Opelika, AL, the cost per watt in October, 2024 is around $3.95/W.

Put another way, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,950 to get your system installed in . A 5 kW solar panel system in Opelika averages about $13,825 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be enough to fulfill your energy needs.

To the left, you can select your county to determine the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Displayed below is an overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Opelika: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Opelika: 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.
Opelika: $15,604US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Opelika

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

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

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

The typical electricity usage in Opelika is 1,071 kWh per month, resulting in a $147.31 monthly electric bill average. Compact apartments are also encompassed in the figures cited in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of dwellings impacts those averages.

For October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Opelika, AL amounts to 13.75¢ per kWh.

In Opelika, a system size of 9 kW or more is required for the average energy consumer to satisfy their entire power consumption needs. The cost for aa 9 kW solar setup comes to $35,550 upfront, but after the 30% tax credit, the total cost drops to $24,885.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Opelika

On the left side below, the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Opelika is displayed. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $147.31 in Opelika. If you seek more customized results, just adjust the $147.31 to whichever your typical electricity bill is.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,058 a year
Est. Price
$13,825
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,554 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $88
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,454 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,269 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $106
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 188 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,144 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,481 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $123
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.78 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 220 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,835 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,692 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $141
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 251 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,526 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,904 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $147
  • Full payback in 14 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

Opelika Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Nearly all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible option in numerous states throughout the country. Additionally, a variety of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.

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

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 intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Opelika. A 5 kW solar system in Opelika, AL could potentially save you $21,529.4 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Opelika, AL

In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. As recent examples in the news have shown, full reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.

Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Opelika is about 1.32. The average length of an outage is 188.2 minutes. In events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or equipment failure, this duration can extend significantly.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can help mitigate the strain of future outages you may face.

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 Opelika, AL?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt decreases as the system size increases. A lot of people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This results in maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The preferences for system that your contractor has may make it essential to choose a reputable installer. The use of superior models is probably will result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - There are valid reasons why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. Most installers work with panels crafted of this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. By using satellite imagery, solar installers can currently assess your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies result in costs that are passed on to the consumers. Higher reviews for services and customer service are often associated with businesses that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will vary depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Opelika?

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.

Opelika, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

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

  • Currently, Alabama residents can benefit from 4 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing details are often provided by installers and may be detailed in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Opelika, AL averages 8 years, with electricity savings of about $21,529.4 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01