Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greenville, AL (2024 Update)
- Greenville Solar Installation Cost: $21,340
- 25-Year Savings: $41,895
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Greenville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Greenville it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Greenville is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,340 for a solar installation, or $30,516 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Greenville see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,493 |
| 3 years | $-15,798 |
| 5 years | $-12,103 |
| 7 years | $-8,407 |
| 9 years | $-4,712 |
| 11 years | $-1,017 |
| 13 years | $2,678 |
| 15 years | $6,373 |
| 17 years | $10,068 |
| 19 years | $13,764 |
| 21 years | $17,459 |
| 23 years | $21,154 |
| 25 years | $24,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Greenville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Greenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greenville
For many Greenville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Greenville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Greenville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Greenville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Greenville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $23,822 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $32,153 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $40,680 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $49,402 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $58,320 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $67,433 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $76,742 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $86,246 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Greenville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Greenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Greenville 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Greenville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Greenville. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.