Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Lakes, AL (2024 Update)
- Highland Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
- 25-Year Savings: $35,656
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Lakes
We go over average solar pricing in Highland Lakes.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland Lakes, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $22,070 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Highland Lakes can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highland Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,223 |
| 3 years | $-16,527 |
| 5 years | $-12,832 |
| 7 years | $-9,137 |
| 9 years | $-5,442 |
| 11 years | $-1,747 |
| 13 years | $1,948 |
| 15 years | $5,644 |
| 17 years | $9,339 |
| 19 years | $13,034 |
| 21 years | $16,729 |
| 23 years | $20,424 |
| 25 years | $24,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland Lakes
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Highland Lakes, we've put together 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 Highland Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Lakes
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Highland Lakes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Highland Lakes, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Highland Lakes, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Highland Lakes know more 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 help you save 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 | $18,726 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,359 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,188 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,212 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,431 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,846 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $61,456 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $69,262 | 9.7 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 the company going out of business.
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 Highland Lakes, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland Lakes?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highland Lakes?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Highland Lakes, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.