Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glencoe, AL (2023 Update)
- Glencoe Solar Installation Cost: $15,819
- 25-Year Savings: $35,517
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glencoe
See how much it might cost to go solar in Glencoe.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glencoe typically cost about 2.45. The average Glencoe homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,812 with the federal tax credit, or $22,611 before the 30% 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 actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Glencoe homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glencoe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,971 |
| 3 years | $-10,276 |
| 5 years | $-6,581 |
| 7 years | $-2,886 |
| 9 years | $809 |
| 11 years | $4,504 |
| 13 years | $8,200 |
| 15 years | $11,895 |
| 17 years | $15,590 |
| 19 years | $19,285 |
| 21 years | $22,980 |
| 23 years | $26,675 |
| 25 years | $30,371 |
Top Solar Installers in Glencoe
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Glencoe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glencoe
For many Glencoe homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glencoe, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Glencoe average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Glencoe, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Glencoe, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice 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 major players.
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 | $22,691 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,530 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,505 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,617 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,867 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,254 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,778 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,440 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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 such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 $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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Glencoe?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Glencoe?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.