Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, AL (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
- 25-Year Savings: $32,571
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairfield.
In Fairfield, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Fairfield is around 9.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,260 for a solar installation, or $31,832 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Fairfield homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,413 |
| 3 years | $-16,718 |
| 5 years | $-13,022 |
| 7 years | $-9,327 |
| 9 years | $-5,632 |
| 11 years | $-1,937 |
| 13 years | $1,758 |
| 15 years | $5,453 |
| 17 years | $9,148 |
| 19 years | $12,844 |
| 21 years | $16,539 |
| 23 years | $20,234 |
| 25 years | $23,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fairfield, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fairfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,490. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fairfield offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Fairfield, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $16,493 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $22,382 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $28,465 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $34,745 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $41,220 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $47,890 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $54,756 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $61,817 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Fairfield, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Fairfield?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.