Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hoover, AL (2024 Update)
- Hoover Solar Installation Cost: $22,165
- 25-Year Savings: $33,546
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hoover
We break down average solar pricing in Hoover.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hoover generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $22,165 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hoover
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-20,317 |
3 years | $-16,622 |
5 years | $-12,927 |
7 years | $-9,232 |
9 years | $-5,537 |
11 years | $-1,841 |
13 years | $1,854 |
15 years | $5,549 |
17 years | $9,244 |
19 years | $12,939 |
21 years | $16,634 |
23 years | $20,329 |
25 years | $24,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Hoover
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hoover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hoover
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Hoover: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hoover to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you 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 solar company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,230 | 11.7 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $23,364 | 11.5 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $29,694 | 11.3 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $36,219 | 11.1 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $42,940 | 10.8 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $49,856 | 10.6 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $56,968 | 10.4 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $64,274 | 10.2 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Hoover, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hoover?
The average cost of solar panels in Hoover is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Hoover?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.