Solar Panel Cost Guide in Geneva, AL (2024 Update)

  • Geneva Solar Installation Cost: $21,163
  • 25-Year Savings: $36,088
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Geneva

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Geneva.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Geneva, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Geneva is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,163 for a solar installation, or $30,263 before the 0 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 exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Geneva

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,316
3 years $-15,621
5 years $-11,925
7 years $-8,230
9 years $-4,535
11 years $-840
13 years $2,855
15 years $6,550
17 years $10,246
19 years $13,941
21 years $17,636
23 years $21,331
25 years $25,026

Top Solar Installers in Geneva

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Geneva

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Geneva

The cost of installing a solar system in Geneva can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Geneva to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Geneva, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Geneva know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 $20,041 10.8 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $27,112 10.6 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $34,378 10.4 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $41,840 10.2 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $49,498 10.0 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $57,350 9.8 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $65,399 9.6 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $73,642 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • 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 significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Geneva, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Geneva?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for 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 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.

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