Solar Panel Cost Guide in Enterprise, AL (2024 Update)
- Enterprise Solar Installation Cost: $21,271
- 25-Year Savings: $36,390
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Enterprise
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Enterprise.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Enterprise it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $21,271 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Enterprise homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Enterprise homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Enterprise
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,425 |
| 3 years | $-15,734 |
| 5 years | $-12,043 |
| 7 years | $-8,352 |
| 9 years | $-4,661 |
| 11 years | $-970 |
| 13 years | $2,721 |
| 15 years | $6,412 |
| 17 years | $10,103 |
| 19 years | $13,794 |
| 21 years | $17,485 |
| 23 years | $21,176 |
| 25 years | $24,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Enterprise
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Enterprise
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Enterprise
Although the average cost of a solar system in Enterprise is $21,271, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Enterprise, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Enterprise average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Enterprise, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,122 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $27,220 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $34,514 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $42,003 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $49,687 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $57,567 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $65,642 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $73,913 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Enterprise, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Enterprise, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Enterprise?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Enterprise?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 Enterprise?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.