Solar Panel Cost Guide in Birmingham, PA (2023 Update)
- Birmingham Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $14,976
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Birmingham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Birmingham.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Birmingham typically cost around 2.55. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Birmingham, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,674, or $16,694 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Birmingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,379 |
| 3 years | $-7,799 |
| 5 years | $-5,218 |
| 7 years | $-2,638 |
| 9 years | $-57 |
| 11 years | $2,524 |
| 13 years | $5,104 |
| 15 years | $7,685 |
| 17 years | $10,265 |
| 19 years | $12,846 |
| 21 years | $15,426 |
| 23 years | $18,007 |
| 25 years | $20,587 |
Top Solar Installers in Birmingham
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Birmingham, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Birmingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Birmingham
The cost of installing a solar system in Birmingham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Birmingham, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Birmingham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Birmingham, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Birmingham?
The average cost of solar panels in Birmingham is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate 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 $815.15 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.