Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestdale, AL (2023 Update)
- Forestdale Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $35,704
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestdale
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Forestdale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forestdale, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. Since a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Forestdale, the average price of going solar will be about $15,624 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Forestdale homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
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Solar savings over time in Forestdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,571 |
| 3 years | $-9,464 |
| 5 years | $-5,358 |
| 7 years | $-1,252 |
| 9 years | $2,854 |
| 11 years | $6,961 |
| 13 years | $11,067 |
| 15 years | $15,173 |
| 17 years | $19,279 |
| 19 years | $23,385 |
| 21 years | $27,492 |
| 23 years | $31,598 |
| 25 years | $35,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Forestdale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Forestdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestdale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Forestdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Forestdale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Forestdale is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $23,096 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,070 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,180 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,428 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,812 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,334 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,994 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,790 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Forestdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Forestdale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forestdale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Forestdale?
The majority of states have 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 energy 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 should find out how much energy your home needs 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.