Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harvest, AL (2024 Update)
- Harvest Solar Installation Cost: $23,035
- 25-Year Savings: $9,462
- Payback Period: 22.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harvest
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Harvest.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harvest, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Harvest is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $23,035 for a solar installation, or $32,940 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Harvest homeowner can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Harvest, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harvest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,678 |
| 3 years | $-18,965 |
| 5 years | $-16,252 |
| 7 years | $-13,540 |
| 9 years | $-10,827 |
| 11 years | $-8,114 |
| 13 years | $-5,401 |
| 15 years | $-2,688 |
| 17 years | $25 |
| 19 years | $2,738 |
| 21 years | $5,450 |
| 23 years | $8,163 |
| 25 years | $10,876 |
Top Solar Installers in Harvest
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Harvest, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Harvest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harvest
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Harvest: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Harvest offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Harvest, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 | $1,067 | 23.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $1,813 | 22.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $2,755 | 22.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $3,892 | 22.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $5,225 | 21.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $6,753 | 21.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $8,477 | 20.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $10,396 | 20.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Harvest, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harvest?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Harvest?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Harvest, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harvest is currently $309,683, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,697 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harvest is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.