Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fultondale, AL (Mar 2023)
- Fultondale Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $34,458
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fultondale
We break down average solar pricing in Fultondale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fultondale it's 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fultondale is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,624 for a solar installation, or $22,342 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fultondale can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fultondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,620 |
| 3 years | $-9,614 |
| 5 years | $-5,607 |
| 7 years | $-1,601 |
| 9 years | $2,406 |
| 11 years | $6,412 |
| 13 years | $10,419 |
| 15 years | $14,425 |
| 17 years | $18,432 |
| 19 years | $22,438 |
| 21 years | $26,445 |
| 23 years | $30,451 |
| 25 years | $34,458 |
Top Solar Installers in Fultondale
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fultondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fultondale
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fultondale is $15,624, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fultondale average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fultondale, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,276 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,975 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,812 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,786 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,897 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,146 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $70,531 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,054 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Fultondale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fultondale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.