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

  • Glencoe Solar Installation Cost: $22,534
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,517
  • Payback Period: 11.0 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 Glencoe

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Glencoe.

In Glencoe, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Glencoe homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,534 with the federal tax credit, or $32,224 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Glencoe homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glencoe find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Glencoe

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,686
3 years $-16,991
5 years $-13,296
7 years $-9,601
9 years $-5,906
11 years $-2,210
13 years $1,485
15 years $5,180
17 years $8,875
19 years $12,570
21 years $16,265
23 years $19,960
25 years $23,656

Top Solar Installers in Glencoe

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Glencoe, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you're searching for a solar company in Glencoe, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Glencoe

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glencoe

The cost of installing a solar system in Glencoe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer 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 that have better efficiency or power generation use 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.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Glencoe average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Glencoe, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $18,149 11.4 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,589 11.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,225 11.0 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,056 10.8 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,083 10.5 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $52,305 10.3 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $59,723 10.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $67,336 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Glencoe, AL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Glencoe is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Glencoe?

Solar panels aren’t free in Glencoe, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home 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% after installing solar panels."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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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