Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montevallo, AL (2023 Update)
- Montevallo Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $35,415
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montevallo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Montevallo.
In Montevallo, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Montevallo, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,486, or $22,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Montevallo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montevallo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,450 |
| 3 years | $-9,378 |
| 5 years | $-5,306 |
| 7 years | $-1,234 |
| 9 years | $2,838 |
| 11 years | $6,910 |
| 13 years | $10,982 |
| 15 years | $15,054 |
| 17 years | $19,126 |
| 19 years | $23,198 |
| 21 years | $27,271 |
| 23 years | $31,343 |
| 25 years | $35,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Montevallo
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Montevallo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montevallo
For many Montevallo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Montevallo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly 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 adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in Montevallo. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Montevallo have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Montevallo, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $23,104 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,080 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,193 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,444 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,831 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,356 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,018 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,817 | 6.8 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company 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: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Montevallo, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montevallo?
The average cost of solar panels in Montevallo 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.