Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alabaster, AL (2023 Update)
- Alabaster Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $34,609
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alabaster
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alabaster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alabaster it's 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Alabaster, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,486, or $22,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Alabaster see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alabaster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,483 |
| 3 years | $-9,475 |
| 5 years | $-5,467 |
| 7 years | $-1,460 |
| 9 years | $2,548 |
| 11 years | $6,555 |
| 13 years | $10,563 |
| 15 years | $14,571 |
| 17 years | $18,578 |
| 19 years | $22,586 |
| 21 years | $26,593 |
| 23 years | $30,601 |
| 25 years | $34,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Alabaster
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Alabaster homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Alabaster, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,569 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,366 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,301 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,373 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,582 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,928 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,412 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,032 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alabaster?
The average cost of solar panels in Alabaster is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Alabaster?
You can't get solar panels for free in Alabaster. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.