Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuscaloosa, AL (2023 Update)
- Tuscaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $15,393
- 25-Year Savings: $34,088
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tuscaloosa
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Tuscaloosa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tuscaloosa, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $15,401 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Tuscaloosa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tuscaloosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,228 |
| 3 years | $-14,898 |
| 5 years | $-14,569 |
| 7 years | $-14,239 |
| 9 years | $-13,909 |
| 11 years | $-13,579 |
| 13 years | $-13,249 |
| 15 years | $-12,919 |
| 17 years | $-12,589 |
| 19 years | $-12,259 |
| 21 years | $-11,929 |
| 23 years | $-11,600 |
| 25 years | $-11,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Tuscaloosa
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Tuscaloosa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tuscaloosa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Tuscaloosa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tuscaloosa is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Tuscaloosa know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $22,375 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,108 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,978 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,985 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,130 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,411 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $70,830 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,386 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Tuscaloosa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tuscaloosa?
The average cost of solar panels in Tuscaloosa is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tuscaloosa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Tuscaloosa. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.