Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irondale, AL (2025 Update)
- Irondale Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
- 25-Year Savings: $35,239
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Irondale can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Irondale for a custom estimate.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Irondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irondale
For many Irondale homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to 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 various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Irondale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Irondale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Irondale offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Irondale, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Irondale know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Irondale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irondale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.