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

  • Bessemer Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,945
  • Payback Period: 11.7 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 Bessemer

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bessemer.

In Bessemer, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bessemer, the average price of going solar will be about $22,260 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bessemer

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,476
3 years $-16,906
5 years $-13,337
7 years $-9,768
9 years $-6,199
11 years $-2,629
13 years $940
15 years $4,509
17 years $8,079
19 years $11,648
21 years $15,217
23 years $18,786
25 years $22,356

Top Solar Installers in Bessemer

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Bessemer

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bessemer

There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

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 better efficiency or power production require 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Bessemer provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bessemer homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Bessemer, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 $16,081 12.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $21,832 11.9 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $27,779 11.7 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $33,921 11.5 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $40,258 11.2 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $46,791 11.0 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $53,519 10.8 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $60,443 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

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 Bessemer, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bessemer?

The average cost of solar panels in Bessemer 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bessemer?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 maximize your savings.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How long do solar panels last in Bessemer?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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