Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prattville, AL (2023 Update)
- Prattville Solar Installation Cost: $15,167
- 25-Year Savings: $35,734
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prattville
We break down average solar pricing in Prattville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prattville, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. 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 brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Prattville homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prattville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,998 |
| 3 years | $-14,658 |
| 5 years | $-14,319 |
| 7 years | $-13,980 |
| 9 years | $-13,640 |
| 11 years | $-13,301 |
| 13 years | $-12,962 |
| 15 years | $-12,622 |
| 17 years | $-12,283 |
| 19 years | $-11,944 |
| 21 years | $-11,604 |
| 23 years | $-11,265 |
| 25 years | $-10,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Prattville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. 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.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Prattville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Prattville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Prattville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $23,831 | 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.