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

  • Hamilton Solar Installation Cost: $22,463
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,917
  • Payback Period: 10.9 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 Hamilton

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hamilton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hamilton it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hamilton is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,463 for a solar installation, or $32,122 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Hamilton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hamilton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,615
3 years $-16,920
5 years $-13,225
7 years $-9,530
9 years $-5,835
11 years $-2,139
13 years $1,556
15 years $5,251
17 years $8,946
19 years $12,641
21 years $16,336
23 years $20,032
25 years $23,727

Top Solar Installers in Hamilton

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Hamilton, thereby optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hamilton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamilton

The cost of installing a solar system in Hamilton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,490 per kilowatt in Hamilton.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hamilton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hamilton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Hamilton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $18,483 11.3 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,035 11.1 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,782 10.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,725 10.6 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,863 10.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $53,197 10.2 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $60,726 10.0 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $68,451 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts 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 indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Hamilton, AL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Hamilton 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hamilton?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,124.25 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.

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