Solar Panel Cost Guide in Argo, AL (2023 Update)
- Argo Solar Installation Cost: $15,658
- 25-Year Savings: $35,670
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Argo
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Argo.
In Argo, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average Argo homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,658 with the federal tax credit, or $22,391 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Argo find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Argo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,605 |
| 3 years | $-9,499 |
| 5 years | $-5,392 |
| 7 years | $-1,286 |
| 9 years | $2,820 |
| 11 years | $6,926 |
| 13 years | $11,032 |
| 15 years | $15,139 |
| 17 years | $19,245 |
| 19 years | $23,351 |
| 21 years | $27,457 |
| 23 years | $31,564 |
| 25 years | $35,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Argo
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Argo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Argo
For many Argo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Argo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Argo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Argo, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Argo, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $23,025 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,974 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,061 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,284 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,645 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,144 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,779 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,551 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Argo, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Argo?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Argo?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Argo?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.