Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, AL (2023 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $14,989
- 25-Year Savings: $35,080
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Montgomery.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Montgomery is 2.45 per watt. Since a 8.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Montgomery, the average price of going solar will be about $14,989 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Montgomery see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,986 |
| 3 years | $-8,981 |
| 5 years | $-4,975 |
| 7 years | $-970 |
| 9 years | $3,036 |
| 11 years | $7,041 |
| 13 years | $11,047 |
| 15 years | $15,052 |
| 17 years | $19,058 |
| 19 years | $23,063 |
| 21 years | $27,069 |
| 23 years | $31,074 |
| 25 years | $35,080 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
For many Montgomery homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Montgomery, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Montgomery, where sunlight is 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Montgomery, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Montgomery's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $23,677 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,843 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $40,147 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $48,588 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $57,167 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $65,882 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $74,735 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $83,725 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Montgomery, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with 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: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Montgomery, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montgomery?
The average cost of solar panels in Montgomery 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Montgomery?
You can't get solar panels for free in Montgomery. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Montgomery, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.