Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moody, AL (2023 Update)

  • Moody Solar Installation Cost: $15,693
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,563
  • Payback Period: 7.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moody

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Moody.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Moody it's 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $15,692 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Moody homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Moody homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Moody, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Moody

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,522
3 years $-15,181
5 years $-14,839
7 years $-14,497
9 years $-14,156
11 years $-13,814
13 years $-13,472
15 years $-13,131
17 years $-12,789
19 years $-12,447
21 years $-12,105
23 years $-11,764
25 years $-11,422

Top Solar Installers in Moody

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Moody

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moody

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Moody. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Moody homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Moody homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Moody's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $2.55 $10,702 $22,906 8.0 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $30,816 7.8 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $38,863 7.7 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $47,048 7.5 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $55,369 7.3 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $63,828 7.2 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $72,424 7.0 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $81,157 6.9 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Moody, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moody?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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