Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena, AL (2023 Update)
- Helena Solar Installation Cost: $15,555
- 25-Year Savings: $32,643
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Helena.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Helena generally cost around 2.45. Because a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Helena, the average price of going solar will be about $15,555 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Helena homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Helena can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,627 |
| 3 years | $-9,771 |
| 5 years | $-5,915 |
| 7 years | $-2,060 |
| 9 years | $1,796 |
| 11 years | $5,652 |
| 13 years | $9,508 |
| 15 years | $13,364 |
| 17 years | $17,220 |
| 19 years | $21,076 |
| 21 years | $24,931 |
| 23 years | $28,787 |
| 25 years | $32,643 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena
The cost of installing a solar system in Helena can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Helena. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
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 company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind 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
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Helena, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $21,172 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $28,504 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $35,973 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $43,580 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $51,323 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $59,204 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $67,222 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $75,377 | 7.3 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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Helena, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helena?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Helena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
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 $1,062.47 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Helena?
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 higher 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.