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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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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Hoover homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, 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 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 discuss 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 costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hoover homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hoover is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Hoover have more knowledge 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 | $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 solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear 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 a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.