Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestdale, AL (2023 Update)
- Forestdale Solar Installation Cost: $15,627
- 25-Year Savings: $35,701
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestdale
See how much it might cost to go solar in Forestdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forestdale it's 2.45 per watt. Since a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Forestdale based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forestdale find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Forestdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,456 |
| 3 years | $-15,114 |
| 5 years | $-14,771 |
| 7 years | $-14,429 |
| 9 years | $-14,087 |
| 11 years | $-13,745 |
| 13 years | $-13,403 |
| 15 years | $-13,061 |
| 17 years | $-12,718 |
| 19 years | $-12,376 |
| 21 years | $-12,034 |
| 23 years | $-11,692 |
| 25 years | $-11,350 |
Top Solar Installers in Forestdale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a professional 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 Forestdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestdale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Forestdale: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Forestdale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Forestdale offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower 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 panels can influence the cost. Forestdale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Forestdale are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forestdale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forestdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,126.60 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.