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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vestavia Hills
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Vestavia Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vestavia Hills, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Vestavia Hills homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,165 with the federal tax credit, or $31,696 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vestavia Hills find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Vestavia Hills for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Vestavia Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vestavia Hills
For many Vestavia Hills homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vestavia Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Vestavia Hills provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vestavia Hills homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar 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 due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking 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 like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Vestavia Hills, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vestavia Hills?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Vestavia Hills?
Solar panels aren’t free in Vestavia Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
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.