Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuscaloosa, AL (2024 Update)
- Tuscaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $21,928
- 25-Year Savings: $34,088
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tuscaloosa
We go over average solar pricing in Tuscaloosa.
In Tuscaloosa, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Tuscaloosa is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,928 for a solar installation, or $31,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tuscaloosa find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tuscaloosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,080 |
| 3 years | $-16,385 |
| 5 years | $-12,690 |
| 7 years | $-8,994 |
| 9 years | $-5,299 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $2,091 |
| 15 years | $5,786 |
| 17 years | $9,481 |
| 19 years | $13,176 |
| 21 years | $16,872 |
| 23 years | $20,567 |
| 25 years | $24,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Tuscaloosa
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Tuscaloosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tuscaloosa
While the average cost of a solar system in Tuscaloosa is $21,928, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,490. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tuscaloosa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tuscaloosa to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Tuscaloosa homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Tuscaloosa, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,833 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,168 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,698 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,424 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,345 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,462 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $58,775 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,282 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing 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 Tuscaloosa, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tuscaloosa?
The average cost of solar panels in Tuscaloosa is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff 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 Tuscaloosa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Tuscaloosa?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.