Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hoover, AL (2023 Update)
- Hoover Solar Installation Cost: $15,555
- 25-Year Savings: $33,551
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hoover
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Hoover.
The average cost of solar panels in Hoover is 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $15,555 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Hoover depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hoover can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Hoover for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hoover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,591 |
| 3 years | $-9,662 |
| 5 years | $-5,734 |
| 7 years | $-1,805 |
| 9 years | $2,123 |
| 11 years | $6,052 |
| 13 years | $9,980 |
| 15 years | $13,909 |
| 17 years | $17,837 |
| 19 years | $21,766 |
| 21 years | $25,694 |
| 23 years | $29,622 |
| 25 years | $33,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Hoover
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Hoover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hoover
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Hoover. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, 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
Most solar installers in Hoover offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $21,773 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,305 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,974 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,781 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,724 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,805 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,023 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,378 | 7.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part 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 Hoover, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hoover?
The average cost of solar panels in Hoover 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hoover?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Hoover?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.