Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hazel Green, AL (2024 Update)
- Hazel Green Solar Installation Cost: $23,035
- 25-Year Savings: $7,221
- Payback Period: 24.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hazel Green
We go over average solar pricing in Hazel Green.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hazel Green it’s 3 per watt.The average Hazel Green homeowner needs a 9.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,035 with the federal tax credit, or $32,940 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Hazel Green based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $9,900 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hazel Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,650 |
| 3 years | $-18,882 |
| 5 years | $-16,114 |
| 7 years | $-13,345 |
| 9 years | $-10,577 |
| 11 years | $-7,809 |
| 13 years | $-5,040 |
| 15 years | $-2,272 |
| 17 years | $496 |
| 19 years | $3,265 |
| 21 years | $6,033 |
| 23 years | $8,802 |
| 25 years | $11,570 |
Top Solar Installers in Hazel Green
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Hazel Green, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Hazel Green
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hazel Green
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hazel Green, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Hazel Green’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $-359 | 25.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $-88 | 25.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $378 | 24.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $1,040 | 24.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $1,898 | 23.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $2,951 | 23.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $4,199 | 22.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $5,643 | 22.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Hazel Green, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hazel Green?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hazel Green?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.