Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadowbrook, AL (2024 Update)

  • Meadowbrook Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,656
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadowbrook

We go over average solar pricing in Meadowbrook.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Meadowbrook generally cost around 3.The average Meadowbrook homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,070 with the federal tax credit, or $31,560 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Meadowbrook see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Meadowbrook

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,223
3 years $-16,527
5 years $-12,832
7 years $-9,137
9 years $-5,442
11 years $-1,747
13 years $1,948
15 years $5,644
17 years $9,339
19 years $13,034
21 years $16,729
23 years $20,424
25 years $24,119

Top Solar Installers in Meadowbrook

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Meadowbrook, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Meadowbrook, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Meadowbrook to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meadowbrook is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 $3.63 $15,244 $18,726 11.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,359 11.0 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $32,188 10.8 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $39,212 10.6 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $46,431 10.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $53,846 10.1 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $61,456 9.9 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $69,262 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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 take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meadowbrook?

The average cost of solar panels in Meadowbrook is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Meadowbrook?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.

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