Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leeds, AL (2025 Update)
- Leeds Solar Installation Cost: $22,228
- 25-Year Savings: $35,652
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leeds
We go over average solar pricing in Leeds.
In Leeds, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Leeds homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,228 with the federal tax credit, or $31,786 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Leeds see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leeds
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,380 |
| 3 years | $-16,685 |
| 5 years | $-12,990 |
| 7 years | $-9,295 |
| 9 years | $-5,600 |
| 11 years | $-1,905 |
| 13 years | $1,791 |
| 15 years | $5,486 |
| 17 years | $9,181 |
| 19 years | $12,876 |
| 21 years | $16,571 |
| 23 years | $20,266 |
| 25 years | $23,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Leeds
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Leeds:
See all of the solar companies in Leeds
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leeds
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Leeds: 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 installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Leeds offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Leeds, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Leeds know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 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 | $18,556 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,132 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,904 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,871 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,033 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,391 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,945 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,694 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Leeds, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leeds?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Leeds?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Leeds?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Leeds?
Even though 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 their energy production 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.