Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardendale, AL (2024 Update)

  • Gardendale Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,731
  • Payback Period: 11.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardendale

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gardendale.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardendale, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gardendale 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 only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gardendale find investing in solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Gardendale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Gardendale

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 Gardendale

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Gardendale, therefore optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gardendale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardendale

Although the average cost of a solar system in Gardendale is $22,260, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Gardendale, one of the most crucial 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 about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gardendale average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gardendale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardendale is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 $17,915 11.5 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,278 11.3 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $30,836 11.1 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $37,590 10.8 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $44,539 10.6 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $51,683 10.4 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $59,023 10.2 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $66,558 9.9 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Gardendale, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardendale?

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 cost more if you want additional 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 less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardendale?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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