Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southside, AL (2023 Update)
- Southside Solar Installation Cost: $15,812
- 25-Year Savings: $35,417
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southside
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Southside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southside, the average cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Southside, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,812, or $22,611 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,763 |
| 3 years | $-9,665 |
| 5 years | $-5,566 |
| 7 years | $-1,468 |
| 9 years | $2,630 |
| 11 years | $6,729 |
| 13 years | $10,827 |
| 15 years | $14,925 |
| 17 years | $19,024 |
| 19 years | $23,122 |
| 21 years | $27,220 |
| 23 years | $31,319 |
| 25 years | $35,417 |
Top Solar Installers in Southside
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Southside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southside
Although the average cost of a solar system in Southside is $15,812, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southside to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Southside, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 larger 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 | $22,622 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,438 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,390 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,480 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,706 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,070 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,572 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,210 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Southside, 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Southside, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southside?
The average cost of solar panels in Southside is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Southside?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.