Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irondale, GA (2023 Update)
- Irondale Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $21,576
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irondale
See how much it might cost to go solar in Irondale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Irondale, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Irondale, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Irondale based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Irondale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Irondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,652 |
| 3 years | $-7,967 |
| 5 years | $-5,281 |
| 7 years | $-2,595 |
| 9 years | $90 |
| 11 years | $2,776 |
| 13 years | $5,462 |
| 15 years | $8,147 |
| 17 years | $10,833 |
| 19 years | $13,519 |
| 21 years | $16,204 |
| 23 years | $18,890 |
| 25 years | $21,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Irondale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Irondale:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Irondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irondale
The cost of installing a solar system in Irondale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Irondale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase 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 Irondale, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Irondale is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $18,839 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,404 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,112 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $38,962 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $45,956 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,092 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $60,371 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $67,793 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- 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 significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Irondale, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Irondale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Irondale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Irondale?
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 utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 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.