Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trussville, AL (2024 Update)
- Trussville Solar Installation Cost: $22,308
- 25-Year Savings: $35,668
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trussville
We go over average solar pricing in Trussville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Trussville it’s 3 per watt.Because a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Trussville, the average price of going solar will be about $22,308 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Trussville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trussville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,460 |
| 3 years | $-16,765 |
| 5 years | $-13,070 |
| 7 years | $-9,375 |
| 9 years | $-5,679 |
| 11 years | $-1,984 |
| 13 years | $1,711 |
| 15 years | $5,406 |
| 17 years | $9,101 |
| 19 years | $12,796 |
| 21 years | $16,492 |
| 23 years | $20,187 |
| 25 years | $23,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Trussville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Trussville, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Trussville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Trussville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trussville
For many Trussville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Trussville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Trussville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Trussville, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Trussville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,482 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,034 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,781 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,723 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,861 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,194 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,723 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,447 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Trussville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trussville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Trussville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Trussville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Trussville is currently $379,265, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,550 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Trussville is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.