Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardendale, AL (Mar 2023)
- Gardendale Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $34,735
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardendale
We go over average solar pricing in Gardendale.
In Gardendale, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Gardendale 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gardendale find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gardendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,609 |
| 3 years | $-9,581 |
| 5 years | $-5,552 |
| 7 years | $-1,523 |
| 9 years | $2,505 |
| 11 years | $6,534 |
| 13 years | $10,563 |
| 15 years | $14,591 |
| 17 years | $18,620 |
| 19 years | $22,649 |
| 21 years | $26,677 |
| 23 years | $30,706 |
| 25 years | $34,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardendale
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gardendale:
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 Gardendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardendale
The cost of installing a solar system in Gardendale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest 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
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 typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gardendale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gardendale to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR 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 Gardendale is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,458 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,218 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,116 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,151 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,323 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,632 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,078 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,662 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Gardendale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Gardendale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardendale?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardendale is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardendale?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.