Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, AL (2024 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $22,806
- 25-Year Savings: $7,628
- Payback Period: 24.1 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 Decatur
We break down average solar pricing in Decatur.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Decatur generally cost about 3.The average Decatur homeowner needs a 9.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,806 with the federal tax credit, or $32,613 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Decatur homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $10,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Decatur find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,419 |
| 3 years | $-18,646 |
| 5 years | $-15,872 |
| 7 years | $-13,098 |
| 9 years | $-10,325 |
| 11 years | $-7,551 |
| 13 years | $-4,777 |
| 15 years | $-2,004 |
| 17 years | $770 |
| 19 years | $3,544 |
| 21 years | $6,317 |
| 23 years | $9,091 |
| 25 years | $11,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
For many Decatur homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Decatur, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Decatur average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Decatur, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Decatur’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $-52 | 25.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $322 | 24.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $891 | 24.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $1,656 | 23.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $2,616 | 23.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $3,771 | 22.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $5,122 | 22.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $6,668 | 21.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Decatur, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Decatur?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Decatur?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Decatur?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.