Solar Panel Cost Guide in Geneva, AL (Mar 2023)

  • Geneva Solar Installation Cost: $14,852
  • 25-Year Savings: $36,093
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 switch to solar power in Geneva.

In Geneva, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Geneva is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,852 for a solar installation, or $21,238 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Geneva homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Geneva for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Geneva

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,814
3 years $-8,739
5 years $-4,663
7 years $-587
9 years $3,488
11 years $7,564
13 years $11,639
15 years $15,715
17 years $19,791
19 years $23,866
21 years $27,942
23 years $32,017
25 years $36,093

Top Solar Installers in Geneva

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Though the average cost of a solar system in Geneva is $14,852, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in Geneva. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Geneva homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $24,583 7.6 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $33,052 7.4 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $41,658 7.3 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $50,401 7.1 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $59,282 7.0 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $68,299 6.9 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $77,454 6.7 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $86,746 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Geneva, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Geneva?

You can't get solar panels for free in Geneva. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Geneva?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.

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