Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pelham, AL (Mar 2023)
- Pelham Solar Installation Cost: $15,486
- 25-Year Savings: $34,578
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pelham
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pelham.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pelham generally cost about 2.45. Since a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Pelham, the average price of going solar will be about $15,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pelham find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Pelham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pelham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,484 |
| 3 years | $-9,479 |
| 5 years | $-5,474 |
| 7 years | $-1,468 |
| 9 years | $2,537 |
| 11 years | $6,542 |
| 13 years | $10,547 |
| 15 years | $14,552 |
| 17 years | $18,558 |
| 19 years | $22,563 |
| 21 years | $26,568 |
| 23 years | $30,573 |
| 25 years | $34,578 |
Top Solar Installers in Pelham
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
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 Pelham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pelham
Although the average cost of a solar system in Pelham is $15,486, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Pelham. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Pelham's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $22,549 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,340 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,268 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,333 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,535 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,875 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,351 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,965 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Pelham, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pelham?
The average cost of solar panels in Pelham is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pelham?
Solar panels aren't free in Pelham, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.