Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meridianville, AL (2024 Update)
- Meridianville Solar Installation Cost: $23,035
- 25-Year Savings: $5,320
- Payback Period: 26.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meridianville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Meridianville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Meridianville generally cost about 3.The average Meridianville homeowner needs a 9.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,035 with the federal tax credit, or $32,940 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Meridianville can save about $9,100 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Meridianville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,660 |
| 3 years | $-18,910 |
| 5 years | $-16,160 |
| 7 years | $-13,410 |
| 9 years | $-10,660 |
| 11 years | $-7,910 |
| 13 years | $-5,161 |
| 15 years | $-2,411 |
| 17 years | $339 |
| 19 years | $3,089 |
| 21 years | $5,839 |
| 23 years | $8,589 |
| 25 years | $11,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Meridianville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Meridianville, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Meridianville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meridianville
For many Meridianville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meridianville, 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,490 per kilowatt in Meridianville.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Meridianville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Meridianville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating 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 company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Meridianville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $-1,569 | 27.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $-1,701 | 27.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $-1,638 | 26.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $-1,379 | 26.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $-925 | 25.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $-276 | 25.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $569 | 24.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $1,610 | 24.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Meridianville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meridianville?
The average cost of solar panels in Meridianville 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Meridianville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Meridianville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.