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

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

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How much do solar panels cost in Rainbow City, AL in 2024?

In Rainbow City, AL in October, 2024, the current price per watt for solar panel installations is estimated at $3.95/W

In accordance with this rate, expect to pony up $3,950, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can produce. In Rainbow City, you can expect to spend approximately $13,825 for a 5 kW solar installation once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. It should be noted that a larger system could be necessary to adequately cover your energy requirements.

Choose your county from the menu on the left to find out the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Shown below is a breakdown of the price, 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.
Rainbow City: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Rainbow City: 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.
Rainbow City: $24,969US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Rainbow City

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

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 11kkWh AC per yr.

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

In Rainbow City, energy consumers usually see an average electric bill of $186.33 each month, with an average consumption of 1,142 kWh. Flats and other smaller residences with reduced energy requirements are included in this data.

The average rate for electricity in Rainbow City, AL during October, 2024 is 16.32¢ per kWh.

Typical citizens in Rainbow City may need a solar panel system of 10 kW or larger to cover their entire electricity consumption requirements. Before any incentives, a 10 kWsolar system is priced at approximately $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 Rainbow City

Shown on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Rainbow City. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is higher, but they also provide more significant electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator below and to the right details costs and benefits, using an average $186.33 electric bill in Rainbow City For results that are more specific to you, modify the $186.33 to reflect your typical electricity bill.

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

Rainbow City Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you own a plot or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas throughout the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.

A total of 4 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Alabama from 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?

For those in Rainbow City looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Rainbow City, AL, the average savings over a 20 period is $30,894.2, with break even generally occurring at 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Rainbow City, AL

Besides missing out on the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

Every year, customers in Rainbow City face approximately 1.12 outages each year. Outages typically last for an average of 110.26 minutes. Major occurrences like hurricanes, wildlife damage, or grid management errors can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

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

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Etowah County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Rainbow City, AL?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt declines as the size of the system grows. Installing a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it crucial to choose a highly rated company. The selection of better equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and it's easy to see why. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Most installers opt for panels crafted using this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as uneven land, trees, or other obstacles can make the installation more challenging. These days, solar installers can utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies remunerate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are transferred to consumers. It is frequently observed that businesses with higher wages receive superior reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, quality local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Rainbow City?

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.

Rainbow City, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Rainbow City, AL is $3.95/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Rainbow City, AL will cost about $13,825 after federal tax credits.

  • At present, there are 4 rebates and incentives available to Alabama residents from various utility and government programs. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Rainbow City, AL is 6 years, with expected savings of $30,894.2 on electricity over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01