Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, AL (2023 Update)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $15,269
- 25-Year Savings: $34,146
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Valley.
In Valley, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.9-kW system would cost about $15,263 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Valley homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Valley for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,104 |
| 3 years | $-14,775 |
| 5 years | $-14,445 |
| 7 years | $-14,116 |
| 9 years | $-13,787 |
| 11 years | $-13,457 |
| 13 years | $-13,128 |
| 15 years | $-12,798 |
| 17 years | $-12,469 |
| 19 years | $-12,139 |
| 21 years | $-11,810 |
| 23 years | $-11,480 |
| 25 years | $-11,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Valley, we've 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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
For many Valley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,450 per kilowatt in Valley. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,599 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,407 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,352 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,434 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,653 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,009 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,503 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,133 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Valley?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.