Solar Panel Cost Guide in Headland, AL (2023 Update)

  • Headland Solar Installation Cost: $14,949
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,308
  • Payback Period: 7.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Headland

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

The average cost of a solar panel system in Headland is 2.45 per watt. The average Headland homeowner needs a 8.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,955 with the federal tax credit, or $21,386 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Headland find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Headland, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Headland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,102
3 years $-9,406
5 years $-5,711
7 years $-2,016
9 years $1,679
11 years $5,374
13 years $9,069
15 years $12,765
17 years $16,460
19 years $20,155
21 years $23,850
23 years $27,545
25 years $31,240

Top Solar Installers in Headland

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Headland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Headland

Though the average cost of a solar system in Headland is $14,955, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Headland. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Headland, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Headland is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 $2.55 $10,702 $22,515 8.1 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $30,294 7.9 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $38,211 7.7 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $46,265 7.6 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $54,456 7.4 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $62,784 7.3 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $71,249 7.1 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $79,852 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 Headland, AL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Headland is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Headland?

Solar panels aren't free in Headland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.

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