Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leeds, AL (2023 Update)
- Leeds Solar Installation Cost: $15,604
- 25-Year Savings: $35,652
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leeds
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Leeds.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Leeds typically cost about 2.45. Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $15,606 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Leeds based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Leeds find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Leeds for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Leeds
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,757 |
| 3 years | $-10,061 |
| 5 years | $-6,366 |
| 7 years | $-2,671 |
| 9 years | $1,024 |
| 11 years | $4,719 |
| 13 years | $8,414 |
| 15 years | $12,110 |
| 17 years | $15,805 |
| 19 years | $19,500 |
| 21 years | $23,195 |
| 23 years | $26,890 |
| 25 years | $30,585 |
Top Solar Installers in Leeds
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Leeds
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leeds
For many Leeds homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Leeds, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Leeds average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $23,099 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,073 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,184 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,432 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,818 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,340 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,000 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,798 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Leeds, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Leeds?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want 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 attractive choice, as 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Leeds, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.