Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alabaster, AL (2025 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 January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alabaster it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alabaster is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,070 for a solar installation, or $31,560 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Alabaster can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Alabaster for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Alabaster

YearReturn 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

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Alabaster, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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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 considering investing 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 go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Alabaster, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alabaster to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

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 hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.63$15,244$18,02611.5 years
8 kW$3.56$19,935$24,42611.2 years
10 kW$3.49$24,430$31,02111.0 years
12 kW$3.42$28,730$37,81210.8 years
14 kW$3.35$32,834$44,79810.6 years
16 kW$3.28$36,743$51,97910.4 years
18 kW$3.21$40,456$59,35610.1 years
20 kW$3.14$43,974$66,9289.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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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 actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Alabaster have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.