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
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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.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Meadowbrook, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $22,070, or $31,560 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Meadowbrook depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Meadowbrook can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
For many Meadowbrook homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meadowbrook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,490.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Meadowbrook to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over 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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Meadowbrook?
Solar panels aren’t free in Meadowbrook, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Meadowbrook have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.