Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hokes Bluff, AL (2023 Update)

  • Hokes Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $15,858
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,552
  • 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 Hokes Bluff

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hokes Bluff.

In Hokes Bluff, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Since a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Hokes Bluff, the average price of going solar will be about $15,864 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Hokes Bluff

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,011
3 years $-10,316
5 years $-6,620
7 years $-2,925
9 years $770
11 years $4,465
13 years $8,160
15 years $11,855
17 years $15,550
19 years $19,246
21 years $22,941
23 years $26,636
25 years $30,331

Top Solar Installers in Hokes Bluff

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hokes Bluff, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Hokes Bluff

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hokes Bluff

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $2,450. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Hokes Bluff to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Hokes Bluff's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 $22,657 8.0 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $30,483 7.9 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $38,447 7.7 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $46,548 7.6 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $54,786 7.4 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $63,162 7.2 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $71,674 7.1 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $80,324 6.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.

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 Hokes Bluff, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hokes Bluff?

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

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Hokes Bluff?

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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get 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.

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