Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fayette, AL (Mar 2023)
- Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $36,165
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fayette
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fayette.
In Fayette, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fayette, most homeowners require a 9.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,521, or $22,195 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fayette can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,453 |
| 3 years | $-9,318 |
| 5 years | $-5,184 |
| 7 years | $-1,049 |
| 9 years | $3,086 |
| 11 years | $7,221 |
| 13 years | $11,356 |
| 15 years | $15,491 |
| 17 years | $19,626 |
| 19 years | $23,761 |
| 21 years | $27,895 |
| 23 years | $32,030 |
| 25 years | $36,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Fayette
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company 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.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 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 is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $2,450. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Fayette's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fayette?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 Fayette?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.