Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brent, AL (2023 Update)
- Brent Solar Installation Cost: $15,349
- 25-Year Savings: $33,106
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brent
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Brent.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brent, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.9-kW system would cost about $15,349 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Brent homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Brent, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,411 |
| 3 years | $-9,535 |
| 5 years | $-5,658 |
| 7 years | $-1,782 |
| 9 years | $2,095 |
| 11 years | $5,971 |
| 13 years | $9,848 |
| 15 years | $13,724 |
| 17 years | $17,601 |
| 19 years | $21,477 |
| 21 years | $25,354 |
| 23 years | $29,230 |
| 25 years | $33,106 |
Top Solar Installers in Brent
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brent
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Brent average.
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 Brent homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Brent, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $21,776 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,309 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,979 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,787 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,732 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,814 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,033 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,389 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Brent, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brent?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Brent, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Brent?
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 higher 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.