Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kimberly, AL (2023 Update)
- Kimberly Solar Installation Cost: $15,627
- 25-Year Savings: $35,701
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kimberly
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kimberly.
In Kimberly, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kimberly, most homeowners require a 9.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,624, or $22,342 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kimberly homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kimberly find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kimberly
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,779 |
| 3 years | $-10,084 |
| 5 years | $-6,389 |
| 7 years | $-2,694 |
| 9 years | $1,001 |
| 11 years | $4,696 |
| 13 years | $8,392 |
| 15 years | $12,087 |
| 17 years | $15,782 |
| 19 years | $19,477 |
| 21 years | $23,172 |
| 23 years | $26,867 |
| 25 years | $30,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Kimberly
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Kimberly, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kimberly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kimberly
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kimberly is $15,624, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Kimberly, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kimberly average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Kimberly provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Kimberly's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $23,096 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,070 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,180 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,428 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,812 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,334 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,994 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,790 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Kimberly, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kimberly?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kimberly?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kimberly is currently $161,887, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,637 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kimberly is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Kimberly?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.