Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irondale, AL (2024 Update)

  • Irondale Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,239
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Irondale

We break down average solar pricing in Irondale.

The average cost of solar panels in Irondale is 3 per watt.The average Irondale homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,260 with the federal tax credit, or $31,832 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Irondale can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Irondale for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Irondale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,413
3 years $-16,718
5 years $-13,022
7 years $-9,327
9 years $-5,632
11 years $-1,937
13 years $1,758
15 years $5,453
17 years $9,148
19 years $12,844
21 years $16,539
23 years $20,234
25 years $23,929

Top Solar Installers in Irondale

Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Irondale:

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 Irondale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irondale

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Irondale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Irondale, one of the most important 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Irondale, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a 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 $3.63 $15,244 $18,250 11.4 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,724 11.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,393 10.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,258 10.7 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,319 10.5 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $52,575 10.3 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $60,026 10.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $67,673 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Irondale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Irondale, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Irondale?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 energy bills are already fairly 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 should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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