Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glencoe, AL (Mar 2023)
- Glencoe Solar Installation Cost: $15,812
- 25-Year Savings: $35,523
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glencoe
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Glencoe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glencoe it's 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Glencoe is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,812 for a solar installation, or $22,611 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glencoe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,759 |
| 3 years | $-9,652 |
| 5 years | $-5,545 |
| 7 years | $-1,438 |
| 9 years | $2,668 |
| 11 years | $6,775 |
| 13 years | $10,882 |
| 15 years | $14,989 |
| 17 years | $19,096 |
| 19 years | $23,203 |
| 21 years | $27,310 |
| 23 years | $31,416 |
| 25 years | $35,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Glencoe
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Glencoe, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Glencoe is $15,812, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Glencoe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Glencoe to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Glencoe, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Glencoe are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering 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 know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Glencoe?
A solar panel system isn't free in Glencoe, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,113.10 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.