Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brook Highland, AL (2023 Update)
- Brook Highland Solar Installation Cost: $15,493
- 25-Year Savings: $35,656
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brook Highland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brook Highland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brook Highland it's 2.45 per watt. The average Brook Highland homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,486 with the federal tax credit, or $22,145 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Brook Highland based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Brook Highland homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Brook Highland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brook Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,323 |
| 3 years | $-14,982 |
| 5 years | $-14,641 |
| 7 years | $-14,300 |
| 9 years | $-13,959 |
| 11 years | $-13,618 |
| 13 years | $-13,277 |
| 15 years | $-12,936 |
| 17 years | $-12,595 |
| 19 years | $-12,254 |
| 21 years | $-11,913 |
| 23 years | $-11,572 |
| 25 years | $-11,231 |
Top Solar Installers in Brook Highland
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Brook Highland is $15,486, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Brook Highland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brook Highland is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are numerous companies available in Brook Highland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well 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 based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,132.36 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Brook Highland?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.