Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottondale, AL (2024 Update)
- Cottondale Solar Installation Cost: $21,928
- 25-Year Savings: $35,934
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottondale
We go over average solar pricing in Cottondale.
In Cottondale, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Cottondale is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,928 for a solar installation, or $31,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Cottondale based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Cottondale homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Cottondale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cottondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,080 |
| 3 years | $-16,385 |
| 5 years | $-12,690 |
| 7 years | $-8,994 |
| 9 years | $-5,299 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $2,091 |
| 15 years | $5,786 |
| 17 years | $9,481 |
| 19 years | $13,176 |
| 21 years | $16,872 |
| 23 years | $20,567 |
| 25 years | $24,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottondale
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Cottondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottondale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cottondale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottondale is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $19,067 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,813 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,755 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,892 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,225 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $54,753 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $62,477 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $70,396 | 9.6 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Cottondale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottondale?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottondale 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cottondale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cottondale is currently $180,623, so you can expect a value of about $7,406 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cottondale is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Cottondale?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.