Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winfield, AL (2024 Update)
- Winfield Solar Installation Cost: $22,285
- 25-Year Savings: $36,042
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winfield
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Winfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Winfield it’s 3 per watt.The average Winfield homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,285 with the federal tax credit, or $31,868 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Winfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,437 |
| 3 years | $-16,742 |
| 5 years | $-13,047 |
| 7 years | $-9,352 |
| 9 years | $-5,657 |
| 11 years | $-1,961 |
| 13 years | $1,734 |
| 15 years | $5,429 |
| 17 years | $9,124 |
| 19 years | $12,819 |
| 21 years | $16,514 |
| 23 years | $20,209 |
| 25 years | $23,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Winfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Winfield, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Winfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winfield
For many Winfield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in Winfield.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,752 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,394 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,231 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,264 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,492 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,915 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $61,534 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $69,348 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Winfield, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Winfield 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,133.22 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Winfield?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.