Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pine Level, AL (Mar 2023)

  • Pine Level Solar Installation Cost: $15,178
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,724
  • Payback Period: 7.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Pine Level

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Pine Level.

The average cost of solar panels in Pine Level is 2.45 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Pine Level is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,178 for a solar installation, or $21,705 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pine Level 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. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Pine Level homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pine Level that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Pine Level

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,142
3 years $-9,070
5 years $-4,997
7 years $-925
9 years $3,147
11 years $7,219
13 years $11,291
15 years $15,363
17 years $19,435
19 years $23,507
21 years $27,579
23 years $31,651
25 years $35,724

Top Solar Installers in Pine Level

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Pine Level

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pine Level

There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pine Level, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Pine Level's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $23,816 7.8 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $32,030 7.6 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $40,380 7.5 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $48,868 7.3 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $57,493 7.2 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $66,255 7.0 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $75,154 6.9 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $84,190 6.7 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Pine Level, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pine Level?

The average cost of solar panels in Pine Level 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 type 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 Pine Level?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

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

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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