Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadowbrook, AL (2023 Update)
- Meadowbrook Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $35,663
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadowbrook
We go over average solar pricing in Meadowbrook.
In Meadowbrook, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Meadowbrook, the average price of going solar will be about $15,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Meadowbrook see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meadowbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,440 |
| 3 years | $-9,349 |
| 5 years | $-5,257 |
| 7 years | $-1,165 |
| 9 years | $2,927 |
| 11 years | $7,019 |
| 13 years | $11,111 |
| 15 years | $15,203 |
| 17 years | $19,295 |
| 19 years | $23,387 |
| 21 years | $27,479 |
| 23 years | $31,571 |
| 25 years | $35,663 |
Top Solar Installers in Meadowbrook
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Meadowbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadowbrook
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Meadowbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Meadowbrook, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Meadowbrook, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $23,269 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,300 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,468 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,773 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,215 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,795 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,512 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,366 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Meadowbrook, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meadowbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Meadowbrook is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Meadowbrook?
You can't get solar panels for free in Meadowbrook. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much 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 continue to use 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.