Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardendale, AL (2025 Update)
- Gardendale Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
- 25-Year Savings: $34,731
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardendale
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gardendale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gardendale it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gardendale is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,260 for a solar installation, or $31,832 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gardendale see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gardendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,413 |
| 3 years | $-16,718 |
| 5 years | $-13,022 |
| 7 years | $-9,327 |
| 9 years | $-5,632 |
| 11 years | $-1,937 |
| 13 years | $1,758 |
| 15 years | $5,453 |
| 17 years | $9,148 |
| 19 years | $12,844 |
| 21 years | $16,539 |
| 23 years | $20,234 |
| 25 years | $23,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardendale
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Gardendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardendale
For many Gardendale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gardendale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gardendale offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardendale is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Gardendale are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $17,915 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,278 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,836 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,590 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,539 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,683 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,023 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,558 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Gardendale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardendale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardendale?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.