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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Payne
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fort Payne.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Payne generally cost around 3.The average Fort Payne homeowner needs a 9.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,865 with the federal tax credit, or $32,697 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fort Payne can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fort Payne, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Fort Payne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Payne
For many Fort Payne homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Payne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,490 per kilowatt in Fort Payne.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Payne, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Payne is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’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 the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
EcoWatch's Fort Payne, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Payne?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Payne is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Payne?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.