Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sheffield, AL (2024 Update)
- Sheffield Solar Installation Cost: $22,620
- 25-Year Savings: $18,249
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sheffield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sheffield.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sheffield generally cost around 3.The average Sheffield homeowner needs a 9.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,620 with the federal tax credit, or $32,347 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Sheffield homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Sheffield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sheffield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,191 |
| 3 years | $-18,331 |
| 5 years | $-15,471 |
| 7 years | $-12,612 |
| 9 years | $-9,752 |
| 11 years | $-6,892 |
| 13 years | $-4,033 |
| 15 years | $-1,173 |
| 17 years | $1,687 |
| 19 years | $4,546 |
| 21 years | $7,406 |
| 23 years | $10,266 |
| 25 years | $13,125 |
Top Solar Installers in Sheffield
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sheffield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sheffield
While the average cost of a solar system in Sheffield is $22,620, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
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 Sheffield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Sheffield is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $6,871 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $9,552 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $12,429 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $15,501 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $18,769 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $22,232 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $25,890 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $29,744 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Sheffield, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sheffield?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sheffield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $737.18 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 once you've had 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.