Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scottsboro, AL (2024 Update)
- Scottsboro Solar Installation Cost: $23,015
- 25-Year Savings: $14,365
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scottsboro
We break down average solar pricing in Scottsboro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Scottsboro generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Scottsboro, most homeowners require a 9.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $23,015, or $32,911 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Scottsboro can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Scottsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,586 |
| 3 years | $-18,727 |
| 5 years | $-15,869 |
| 7 years | $-13,010 |
| 9 years | $-10,151 |
| 11 years | $-7,293 |
| 13 years | $-4,434 |
| 15 years | $-1,576 |
| 17 years | $1,283 |
| 19 years | $4,141 |
| 21 years | $7,000 |
| 23 years | $9,859 |
| 25 years | $12,717 |
Top Solar Installers in Scottsboro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Scottsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scottsboro
There are a number of factors that can influence 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scottsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Scottsboro homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Scottsboro, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $4,195 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $5,984 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $7,968 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $10,148 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $12,524 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $15,094 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $17,861 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $20,822 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Scottsboro, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scottsboro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scottsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $647.96 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Scottsboro?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.