Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prattville, AL (2024 Update)
- Prattville Solar Installation Cost: $21,606
- 25-Year Savings: $35,734
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prattville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Prattville.
In Prattville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Prattville, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $21,606, or $30,897 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Prattville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prattville find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prattville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,759 |
| 3 years | $-16,065 |
| 5 years | $-12,370 |
| 7 years | $-8,676 |
| 9 years | $-4,982 |
| 11 years | $-1,288 |
| 13 years | $2,406 |
| 15 years | $6,100 |
| 17 years | $9,794 |
| 19 years | $13,488 |
| 21 years | $17,183 |
| 23 years | $20,877 |
| 25 years | $24,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Prattville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Prattville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Prattville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prattville
For many Prattville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prattville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Prattville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Prattville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Prattville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Prattville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Prattville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $19,288 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $26,109 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $33,125 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $40,336 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,742 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $55,345 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $63,142 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $71,135 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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.
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 Prattville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prattville?
The average cost of solar panels in Prattville 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 certain factors 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 Prattville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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 need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.