Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greenville, AL (2024 Update)
- Greenville Solar Installation Cost: $21,340
- 25-Year Savings: $41,895
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Greenville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Greenville, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Greenville is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,340 for a solar installation, or $30,516 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Greenville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Greenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,493 |
| 3 years | $-15,798 |
| 5 years | $-12,103 |
| 7 years | $-8,407 |
| 9 years | $-4,712 |
| 11 years | $-1,017 |
| 13 years | $2,678 |
| 15 years | $6,373 |
| 17 years | $10,068 |
| 19 years | $13,764 |
| 21 years | $17,459 |
| 23 years | $21,154 |
| 25 years | $24,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Greenville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Greenville, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Greenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greenville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Greenville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Greenville is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $23,822 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $32,153 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $40,680 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $49,402 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $58,320 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $67,433 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $76,742 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $86,246 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Greenville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Greenville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Greenville 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Greenville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Greenville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Greenville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.