Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irondale, GA (2024 Update)
- Irondale Solar Installation Cost: $17,591
- 25-Year Savings: $21,577
- Payback Period: 13.1 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 Irondale
We break down average solar pricing in Irondale.
In Irondale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Irondale is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,591 for a solar installation, or $25,155 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Irondale homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,998 |
| 3 years | $-12,811 |
| 5 years | $-9,625 |
| 7 years | $-6,439 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-66 |
| 13 years | $3,121 |
| 15 years | $6,307 |
| 17 years | $9,494 |
| 19 years | $12,680 |
| 21 years | $15,867 |
| 23 years | $19,053 |
| 25 years | $22,240 |
Top Solar Installers in Irondale
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Irondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irondale
For many Irondale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Irondale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Irondale, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Irondale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Irondale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Irondale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Irondale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $13,641 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,606 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,782 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,166 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,760 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $40,564 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $46,577 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $52,799 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Irondale, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irondale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Irondale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Irondale. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Irondale have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.