Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alabaster, AL (2024 Update)

  • Alabaster Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,602
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alabaster

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Alabaster.

The average cost of a solar system in Alabaster is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $22,070 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Alabaster based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Alabaster can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Alabaster for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Alabaster

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,223
3 years $-16,527
5 years $-12,832
7 years $-9,137
9 years $-5,442
11 years $-1,747
13 years $1,948
15 years $5,644
17 years $9,339
19 years $13,034
21 years $16,729
23 years $20,424
25 years $24,119

Top Solar Installers in Alabaster

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Alabaster

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alabaster

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Alabaster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alabaster, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Alabaster homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Alabaster is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.63 $15,244 $18,026 11.5 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,426 11.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,021 11.0 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $37,812 10.8 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $44,798 10.6 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $51,979 10.4 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $59,356 10.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $66,928 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Alabaster, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alabaster?

The average cost of solar panels in Alabaster is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alabaster?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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