Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, AL (2024 Update)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $21,751
- 25-Year Savings: $34,146
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valley, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Valley homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,751 with the federal tax credit, or $31,104 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,903 |
| 3 years | $-16,208 |
| 5 years | $-12,513 |
| 7 years | $-8,818 |
| 9 years | $-5,122 |
| 11 years | $-1,427 |
| 13 years | $2,268 |
| 15 years | $5,963 |
| 17 years | $9,658 |
| 19 years | $13,353 |
| 21 years | $17,049 |
| 23 years | $20,744 |
| 25 years | $24,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Valley, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,490 per kilowatt in Valley.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 get 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 in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,057 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,466 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,072 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,872 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,868 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,060 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,447 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,029 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Valley, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Valley?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.