Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brook Highland, AL (2023 Update)
- Brook Highland Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $35,663
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brook Highland
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Brook Highland.
In Brook Highland, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $15,486 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brook Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,440 |
| 3 years | $-9,349 |
| 5 years | $-5,257 |
| 7 years | $-1,165 |
| 9 years | $2,927 |
| 11 years | $7,019 |
| 13 years | $11,111 |
| 15 years | $15,203 |
| 17 years | $19,295 |
| 19 years | $23,387 |
| 21 years | $27,479 |
| 23 years | $31,571 |
| 25 years | $35,663 |
Top Solar Installers in Brook Highland
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Brook Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brook Highland
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Brook Highland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Brook Highland. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brook Highland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $23,269 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,300 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,468 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,773 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,215 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,795 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,512 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,366 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Brook Highland, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brook Highland?
The average cost of solar panels in Brook Highland is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Brook Highland?
Solar panels aren't free in Brook Highland, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Brook Highland?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.