Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brent, AL (2024 Update)
- Brent Solar Installation Cost: $21,869
- 25-Year Savings: $33,103
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brent
We break down average solar pricing 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 3 per watt.Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Brent, the average price of going solar will be about $21,869 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brent homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Brent homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Brent for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brent
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-20,022 |
3 years | $-16,326 |
5 years | $-12,631 |
7 years | $-8,936 |
9 years | $-5,241 |
11 years | $-1,546 |
13 years | $2,149 |
15 years | $5,844 |
17 years | $9,540 |
19 years | $13,235 |
21 years | $16,930 |
23 years | $20,625 |
25 years | $24,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Brent
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Brent can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Brent, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brent, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Brent’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,233 | 11.7 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,369 | 11.5 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,699 | 11.3 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $36,226 | 11.1 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $42,947 | 10.8 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $49,864 | 10.6 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $56,977 | 10.4 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $64,285 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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?
The average cost of solar panels in Brent is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brent?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Brent?
Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.