Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Payne, AL (2024 Update)
- Fort Payne Solar Installation Cost: $22,865
- 25-Year Savings: $15,898
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Payne
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fort Payne.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fort Payne is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fort Payne is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,865 for a solar installation, or $32,697 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fort Payne see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Payne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,147 |
| 3 years | $-17,709 |
| 5 years | $-14,272 |
| 7 years | $-10,835 |
| 9 years | $-7,398 |
| 11 years | $-3,961 |
| 13 years | $-524 |
| 15 years | $2,914 |
| 17 years | $6,351 |
| 19 years | $9,788 |
| 21 years | $13,225 |
| 23 years | $16,662 |
| 25 years | $20,100 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Payne
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fort Payne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Payne
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Payne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 need 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 $3,490.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fort Payne homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Fort Payne, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,237 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $7,374 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $9,706 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $12,233 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $14,956 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $17,874 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $20,988 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $24,297 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Fort Payne, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Payne?
This is a difficult 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Payne?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 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.