Solar Panel Cost Guide in Enterprise, AL (2024 Update)
- Enterprise Solar Installation Cost: $21,271
- 25-Year Savings: $36,390
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Enterprise
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Enterprise.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Enterprise it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Enterprise is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,271 for a solar installation, or $30,418 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Enterprise see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Enterprise
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,425 |
| 3 years | $-15,734 |
| 5 years | $-12,043 |
| 7 years | $-8,352 |
| 9 years | $-4,661 |
| 11 years | $-970 |
| 13 years | $2,721 |
| 15 years | $6,412 |
| 17 years | $10,103 |
| 19 years | $13,794 |
| 21 years | $17,485 |
| 23 years | $21,176 |
| 25 years | $24,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Enterprise
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Enterprise, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Enterprise
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Enterprise
The cost of installing a solar system in Enterprise can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,490. The kind 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Enterprise average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Enterprise homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Enterprise, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,122 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $27,220 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $34,514 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $42,003 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $49,687 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $57,567 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $65,642 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $73,913 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Enterprise, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Enterprise?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Enterprise?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Enterprise have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.