Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Grande, AL (2023 Update)
- Valley Grande Solar Installation Cost: $15,058
- 25-Year Savings: $38,996
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Grande
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Valley Grande.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Valley Grande generally cost around 2.45. The average solar panel system size in Valley Grande is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,058 for a solar installation, or $21,533 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Valley Grande homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Grande find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Grande
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,896 |
| 3 years | $-8,571 |
| 5 years | $-4,247 |
| 7 years | $77 |
| 9 years | $4,402 |
| 11 years | $8,726 |
| 13 years | $13,050 |
| 15 years | $17,374 |
| 17 years | $21,699 |
| 19 years | $26,023 |
| 21 years | $30,347 |
| 23 years | $34,672 |
| 25 years | $38,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Grande
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Valley Grande
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Grande
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Valley Grande is $15,058, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Valley Grande, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Valley Grande, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Valley Grande homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Valley Grande is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $26,231 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $35,249 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $44,404 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $53,696 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $63,126 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $72,692 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $82,396 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $92,238 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total 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 take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive 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 Grande, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Grande?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Grande is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 Valley Grande?
You can't get solar panels for free in Valley Grande. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Does Valley Grande have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Valley Grande?
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 decide 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.