Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamilton, AL (2023 Update)
- Hamilton Solar Installation Cost: $15,769
- 25-Year Savings: $35,917
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamilton
We go over average solar pricing in Hamilton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hamilton it's 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $15,761 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hamilton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hamilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,921 |
| 3 years | $-10,226 |
| 5 years | $-6,531 |
| 7 years | $-2,836 |
| 9 years | $859 |
| 11 years | $4,554 |
| 13 years | $8,250 |
| 15 years | $11,945 |
| 17 years | $15,640 |
| 19 years | $19,335 |
| 21 years | $23,030 |
| 23 years | $26,725 |
| 25 years | $30,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamilton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hamilton:
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 Hamilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamilton
While the average cost of a solar system in Hamilton is $15,761, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system 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 panel system in Hamilton, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hamilton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hamilton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Hamilton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $23,026 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,975 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,062 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,286 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,648 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,146 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,782 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,555 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Hamilton, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hamilton?
The average cost of solar panels in Hamilton 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hamilton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much 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 get 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.