Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hokes Bluff, AL (2024 Update)
- Hokes Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $22,590
- 25-Year Savings: $35,552
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hokes Bluff
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hokes Bluff.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hokes Bluff it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hokes Bluff is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,590 for a solar installation, or $32,304 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Hokes Bluff based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hokes Bluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,743 |
| 3 years | $-17,047 |
| 5 years | $-13,352 |
| 7 years | $-9,657 |
| 9 years | $-5,962 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $1,428 |
| 15 years | $5,124 |
| 17 years | $8,819 |
| 19 years | $12,514 |
| 21 years | $16,209 |
| 23 years | $19,904 |
| 25 years | $23,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Hokes Bluff
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Hokes Bluff, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hokes Bluff provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Hokes Bluff’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hokes Bluff know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $18,114 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,543 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,167 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,987 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,002 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,212 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,618 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,220 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.