Solar Panel Cost Guide in Millbrook, AL (2024 Update)
- Millbrook Solar Installation Cost: $21,606
- 25-Year Savings: $35,734
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Millbrook
We break down average solar pricing in Millbrook.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Millbrook, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Millbrook is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,606 for a solar installation, or $30,897 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Millbrook homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Millbrook find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Millbrook that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Millbrook
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-19,758 |
3 years | $-16,063 |
5 years | $-12,368 |
7 years | $-8,673 |
9 years | $-4,978 |
11 years | $-1,282 |
13 years | $2,413 |
15 years | $6,108 |
17 years | $9,803 |
19 years | $13,498 |
21 years | $17,193 |
23 years | $20,889 |
25 years | $24,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Millbrook
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Millbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Millbrook
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Millbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Millbrook provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Millbrook homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 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 | $19,288 | 11.0 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $26,109 | 10.8 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $33,125 | 10.6 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $40,336 | 10.4 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,742 | 10.2 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $55,345 | 10.0 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $63,142 | 9.8 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $71,135 | 9.6 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Millbrook, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Millbrook?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Millbrook have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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 what solar panel system size 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.