Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irondale, AL (2023 Update)
- Irondale Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $35,242
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irondale
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Irondale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Irondale it's 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Irondale, most homeowners require a 9.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,624, or $22,342 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Irondale homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Irondale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,589 |
| 3 years | $-9,520 |
| 5 years | $-5,450 |
| 7 years | $-1,381 |
| 9 years | $2,688 |
| 11 years | $6,757 |
| 13 years | $10,827 |
| 15 years | $14,896 |
| 17 years | $18,965 |
| 19 years | $23,035 |
| 21 years | $27,104 |
| 23 years | $31,173 |
| 25 years | $35,242 |
Top Solar Installers in Irondale
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Irondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irondale
For many Irondale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Irondale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Irondale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Irondale to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for 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 panel system can affect the cost. Irondale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,792 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,664 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,673 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,820 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,103 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,524 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,082 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,777 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Irondale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Irondale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irondale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Irondale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Irondale?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Irondale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.