Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vestavia Hills, AL (Mar 2023)
- Vestavia Hills Solar Installation Cost: $15,555
- 25-Year Savings: $35,728
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vestavia Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Vestavia Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vestavia Hills generally cost about 2.45. The average Vestavia Hills homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,555 with the federal tax credit, or $22,244 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vestavia Hills find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate 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 | $-13,504 |
| 3 years | $-9,401 |
| 5 years | $-5,298 |
| 7 years | $-1,196 |
| 9 years | $2,907 |
| 11 years | $7,009 |
| 13 years | $11,112 |
| 15 years | $15,215 |
| 17 years | $19,317 |
| 19 years | $23,420 |
| 21 years | $27,523 |
| 23 years | $31,625 |
| 25 years | $35,728 |
Top Solar Installers in Vestavia Hills
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Vestavia Hills, the EcoWatch team has 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 Vestavia Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vestavia Hills
There are several factors that can play into your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Vestavia Hills. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Vestavia Hills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $23,213 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,224 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,374 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,660 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,083 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,644 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,342 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,177 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 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 $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things 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 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,130.47 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.