Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Shelby County, AL | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Shelby County, AL in 2024?
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In Shelby County, AL in November, 2024, the current cost per watt of going solar is at $0/W
Stemming from this price per watt, you can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $0 for installation. A 5 kW system in Shelby County will generally cost you $0 after the 30% federal tax credit is applied. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be sufficient to fully meet your energy demands.
To the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panel systems for houses in your area. Find below a detailed overview of the {price|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.
Shelby County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Shelby County: 0 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Shelby County: $45,086US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Shelby County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Shelby County.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 13.2kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Shelby County, AL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Shelby County residents, the average monthly kWh usage is 1,137, with an average electric bill of 187.86. Smaller homes, including micro-apartments, are also included in the statistics noted in the previous sentence.
The rate of electricity in Shelby County, AL, averaging, is 16.53¢ per kWh for November 2024.
Putting in a a 10 kW solar system will cost around $0 upfront, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get a 30% credit, reducing the cost to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Shelby County
On the left, you will find a breakdown of prices for different solar panel system sizes installed in Shelby County. Even though a more extensive solar installation carries a greater cost, it also yields higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, visible in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $187.86 in Shelby County. If you want more personalized results, just adjust the $187.86 to whatever your typical 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 $1,501 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,829 kWh
Est. monthly savings $125
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.24 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 424 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,877 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,751 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,300 kWh
Est. monthly savings $146
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.78 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 495 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26,689 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,001 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,772 kWh
Est. monthly savings $167
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.32 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 566 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 30,502 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,251 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,243 kWh
Est. monthly savings $188
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 13.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 637 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 34,315 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,502 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,715 kWh
Est. monthly savings $188
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 13.89 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 638 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 34,386 mi less a year
Shelby County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you fit the criteria? Confirm your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to most people, making solar a practical option in various states. A multitude of state and local programs are in place to encourage the use of solar energy.
Alabama residents have access to 4 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from multiple utilities and governmental organizations.
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 Shelby County, AL?
If you expect to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Shelby County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Shelby County, AL, you can expect to save approximately $45,086.4 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Shelby County, AL
Opting not to install solar panels or a separate backup energy solution results in you missing out on the savings noted earlier and makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As we've seen in numerous recent news reports, complete reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
Residents in Shelby County have encountered around 1.3 outages per year on average. On average, an outage lasts 144.78 minutes. Major events such as winter storms, equipment failure, or construction accidents can significantly extend these time frames.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Shelby County.
Whether featuring a backup battery or not, a solar panel system can help alleviate the stress of possible future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Shelby County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Shelby County, AL?
Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is reduced as the system size grows. Many consumers realize it's a good idea to set up a solar system that can produce enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them reduce costs.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a range of makes and models. It's important to choose a highly rated contractor, considering the brand preferences that contractors may have. Buyers often find that using better quality equipment leads to a more satisfactory long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. The majority of installers utilize panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Irregular terrain, trees, or other obstructions may complicate the installation process. These days, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Different companies have varying pay scales for their employees, and these costs are ultimately borne by consumers. It is often observed that businesses with higher wages garner superior reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be impacted by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by area. Quality local installers will incorporate these figures into your preliminary estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Shelby County cities
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Shelby County, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Shelby County, AL as of November, 2024 is $0/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Shelby County, AL is estimated to cost $0.
There are 4 rebates and incentives available in Alabama from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash offers the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options is typically detailed in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Shelby County, AL averages 0 years, with electricity savings of about $45,086.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
