Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fayette, AL (2023 Update)
- Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $36,165
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fayette
We break down average solar pricing in Fayette.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fayette it's 2.45 per watt. The average Fayette homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,521 with the federal tax credit, or $22,195 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Fayette for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,349 |
| 3 years | $-15,004 |
| 5 years | $-14,660 |
| 7 years | $-14,315 |
| 9 years | $-13,971 |
| 11 years | $-13,626 |
| 13 years | $-13,281 |
| 15 years | $-12,937 |
| 17 years | $-12,592 |
| 19 years | $-12,248 |
| 21 years | $-11,903 |
| 23 years | $-11,558 |
| 25 years | $-11,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Fayette
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fayette
The cost of installing a solar system in Fayette can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
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 Fayette homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fayette homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Fayette's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $23,564 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,694 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,960 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $48,363 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,904 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $65,582 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $74,397 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $83,350 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fayette, 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:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
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 Fayette, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fayette?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fayette?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.