Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smiths Station, AL (2023 Update)
- Smiths Station Solar Installation Cost: $15,246
- 25-Year Savings: $34,647
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smiths Station
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Smiths Station.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smiths Station, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. The average Smiths Station homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,246 with the federal tax credit, or $21,802 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Smiths Station homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Smiths Station that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smiths Station
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,251 |
| 3 years | $-9,259 |
| 5 years | $-5,268 |
| 7 years | $-1,276 |
| 9 years | $2,715 |
| 11 years | $6,707 |
| 13 years | $10,698 |
| 15 years | $14,689 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $22,672 |
| 21 years | $26,664 |
| 23 years | $30,655 |
| 25 years | $34,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Smiths Station
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Smiths Station:
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 Smiths Station
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smiths Station
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Smiths Station: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Smiths Station. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Smiths Station offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Smiths Station, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,976 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,910 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,980 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,188 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,533 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,015 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,634 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,390 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Smiths Station, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smiths Station?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.