Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northport, AL (2024 Update)

  • Northport Solar Installation Cost: $21,928
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,934
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Northport

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Northport.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northport it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $21,928 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Northport find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Northport for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Northport

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-20,080
3 years$-16,385
5 years$-12,690
7 years$-8,994
9 years$-5,299
11 years$-1,604
13 years$2,091
15 years$5,786
17 years$9,481
19 years$13,176
21 years$16,872
23 years$20,567
25 years$24,262

Top Solar Installers in Northport

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Northport

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northport

For many Northport 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 Northport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,490. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Northport, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Northport homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Northport, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Northport know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.63$15,244$19,06711.1 years
8 kW$3.56$19,935$25,81310.9 years
10 kW$3.49$24,430$32,75510.7 years
12 kW$3.42$28,730$39,89210.5 years
14 kW$3.35$32,834$47,22510.3 years
16 kW$3.28$36,743$54,75310.0 years
18 kW$3.21$40,456$62,4779.8 years
20 kW$3.14$43,974$70,3969.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 Northport, AL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Northport 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Northport?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Northport?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.