Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena, AL (2025 Update)
- Helena Solar Installation Cost: $22,165
- 25-Year Savings: $24,025
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Helena.
In Helena, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Helena is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,165 for a solar installation, or $31,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Helena can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,317 |
| 3 years | $-16,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,927 |
| 7 years | $-9,232 |
| 9 years | $-5,537 |
| 11 years | $-1,841 |
| 13 years | $1,854 |
| 15 years | $5,549 |
| 17 years | $9,244 |
| 19 years | $12,939 |
| 21 years | $16,634 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $24,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Helena: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Helena to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Helena have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $16,630 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $22,564 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $28,693 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $35,019 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $41,539 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $48,255 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $55,166 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $62,273 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's Helena, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helena?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Helena?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Helena. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home 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 Helena is currently $348,418, so you could be looking at a value of about $14,285 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Helena is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.