Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tarrant, AL (2023 Update)
- Tarrant Solar Installation Cost: $15,624
- 25-Year Savings: $33,523
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tarrant
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Tarrant.
In Tarrant, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.1-kW system would cost about $15,624 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Tarrant, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tarrant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,658 |
| 3 years | $-9,726 |
| 5 years | $-5,794 |
| 7 years | $-1,863 |
| 9 years | $2,069 |
| 11 years | $6,001 |
| 13 years | $9,932 |
| 15 years | $13,864 |
| 17 years | $17,796 |
| 19 years | $21,728 |
| 21 years | $25,659 |
| 23 years | $29,591 |
| 25 years | $33,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Tarrant
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Tarrant:
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 Tarrant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tarrant
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Tarrant, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tarrant, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tarrant homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 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 | $21,660 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,154 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,786 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,555 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,461 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,504 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $68,684 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,002 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Tarrant, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tarrant?
The average cost of solar panels in Tarrant 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tarrant?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Tarrant?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.