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Alabama goes solar with SunPower®
Go solar for green and reliable electricity in the Yellowhammer State
The state of solar in Alabama
Alabama averages 213 days of sunshine each year, making it perfect for solar power generation.*BestPlaces: Climate in Alabama: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/alabama (July 2021) However, the state currently has only 157 solar installations.*SEIA: Alabama Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/alabama-solar (July 2021) According to Google's Project Sunroof, that's not enough for Alabama to reach its full solar production potential.
If 82% of the buildings in the Cotton State had solar panels, Alabama's solar energy production could reach heights of 24.8 million MW of AC per year.*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer: https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJdf5LHzR_hogR6czIUzU0VV4/ (November 2018)
How much solar energy does Alabama produce?
According to the SEIA, Alabama has the capacity to generate 283.1 MW. One of the state's most significant solar installations is the River Bend Solar facility, which can generate 75 MW; enough to power 6,995 homes. In the next five years, Alabama's solar energy production should reach 1,447 MW.*SEIA: Alabama Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/alabama-solar (July 2021)
What are the advantages of going solar in Alabama?
Switching to solar power has several advantages, especially if you live in Alabama. For instance, solar energy rates here are lower than electricity rates. The average residential grid electricity rate in the state is 11.4¢ per kW,*Electricity Local: https://www.electricitylocal.com/states/alabama/ (July 2021) while the average solar rate is 7.75¢ per kWh.*SunMetrix. Alabama. (December 2017) https://www.whatnextnow.com/home/solar/solar-tax-credits-incentives-and-solar-rebates/Alabama If you switch to solar power today, your system can pay for itself within 8.3 to 10.2 years.*SolarReviews. Alabama Solar Incentives 2021 (Accessed Sept. 20, 2021). https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/alabama
Another reason to install solar panels for home use in Alabama is the value it adds to your property. A 5 kW solar system can increase your home's resale value by thousands of dollars. Also, going solar reduces your carbon footprint, which helps slow the rate and effects of climate change.
How much does solar cost in Alabama?
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The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Available roof space
Solar panel quality
Permit and installation costs
Weather
Property energy requirements
To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country. In Alabama, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system is $12,850, or in other words, $2.57 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
If you want to lower the cost of going solar in Alabama, take advantage of these solar incentives:
Federal ITC (tax credit): Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of the solar installation.*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Net metering: The policy pays you for the excess electricity generated by your solar system and sent back to the grid.*SolarReviews: Summary of Alabama solar incentives 2021: https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/alabama (June 2021). The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
TVA - Green Power Providers: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provides a performance-based incentive program to homeowners and businesses that install solar systems.
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Facilities: Depending on your exact location, installing solar panels can make you eligible for a property tax abatement for 10 or 20 years.*Clean Energy Authority: https://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-rebates-and-incentives/alabama/local-option-property-tax-exemption-renewable-energy-faclities (June 2020)
Please note that tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Similarly, the availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
What's the best way to go solar in Alabama?
Solar systems from various brands vary in quality. If you want a system that will deliver the best return on investment, find a reputable and licensed solar company to handle your solar panel installation.
Be sure to arrange for a consultation and design that tailors solar solutions to meet your budget, property, and energy needs. If you install premium-quality solar systems from reputable brands, they should stand the test of time.
When you are ready for solar installation services in Alabama, your contractor can assess your property and recommend the best system for your budget and energy needs. The solar installation we provide will boost your property's curb appeal and market value.
Get started now by requesting your free solar consultation with SunPower below. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.
Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with SunPower.