Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prattville, AL (Mar 2023)
- Prattville Solar Installation Cost: $15,161
- 25-Year Savings: $35,741
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prattville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Prattville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Prattville typically cost about 2.45. The average solar panel system size in Prattville is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,161 for a solar installation, or $21,680 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Prattville depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prattville find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Prattville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,125 |
| 3 years | $-9,052 |
| 5 years | $-4,980 |
| 7 years | $-908 |
| 9 years | $3,164 |
| 11 years | $7,236 |
| 13 years | $11,308 |
| 15 years | $15,380 |
| 17 years | $19,452 |
| 19 years | $23,524 |
| 21 years | $27,596 |
| 23 years | $31,669 |
| 25 years | $35,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Prattville
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Prattville:
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
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Prattville. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prattville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Prattville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Prattville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $23,831 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $32,049 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $40,405 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $48,897 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $57,527 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $66,294 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $75,198 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $84,239 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Prattville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry 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.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prattville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Prattville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Prattville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Prattville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Prattville?
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 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.