Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vestavia Hills, AL (2024 Update)

  • Vestavia Hills Solar Installation Cost: $22,165
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,723
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vestavia Hills

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Vestavia Hills.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vestavia Hills generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Vestavia Hills is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,165 for a solar installation, or $31,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vestavia Hills see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Vestavia Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,317
3 years $-16,622
5 years $-12,927
7 years $-9,232
9 years $-5,537
11 years $-1,841
13 years $1,854
15 years $5,549
17 years $9,244
19 years $12,939
21 years $16,634
23 years $20,329
25 years $24,025

Top Solar Installers in Vestavia Hills

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Vestavia Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vestavia Hills

There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Vestavia Hills, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vestavia Hills homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $18,670 11.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,284 11.0 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $32,094 10.8 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $39,099 10.6 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $46,299 10.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $53,695 10.2 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $61,286 9.9 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $69,073 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’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.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Vestavia Hills, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vestavia Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in Vestavia Hills is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Vestavia Hills?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Vestavia Hills. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Vestavia Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Vestavia Hills?

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 higher amount 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.

Follow us