Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northport, AL (2023 Update)
- Northport Solar Installation Cost: $21,928
- 25-Year Savings: $35,934
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northport
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Northport.
In Northport, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average.Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Northport, the average price of going solar will be about $15,401 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Northport homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northport
| Year | Return 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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northport
Though the average cost of a solar system in Northport is $15,401, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
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 Northport homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Northport, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $19,067 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,813 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,755 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,892 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,225 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $54,753 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $62,477 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $70,396 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Northport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Northport, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northport?
The average cost of solar panels in Northport 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Northport have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.