Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntsville, AL (2024 Update)
- Huntsville Solar Installation Cost: $22,882
- 25-Year Savings: $4,783
- Payback Period: 27.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntsville
We break down average solar pricing in Huntsville.
In Huntsville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Huntsville, most homeowners require a 9.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $22,882, or $32,721 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Huntsville based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Huntsville homeowners see about $8,900 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Huntsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,573 |
| 3 years | $-18,956 |
| 5 years | $-16,338 |
| 7 years | $-13,721 |
| 9 years | $-11,104 |
| 11 years | $-8,486 |
| 13 years | $-5,869 |
| 15 years | $-3,251 |
| 17 years | $-634 |
| 19 years | $1,983 |
| 21 years | $4,601 |
| 23 years | $7,218 |
| 25 years | $9,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntsville
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Huntsville:
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 Huntsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntsville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Huntsville: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Huntsville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Huntsville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Huntsville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Huntsville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $-1,891 | 28.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $-2,130 | 28.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $-2,174 | 27.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $-2,023 | 26.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $-1,676 | 26.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $-1,133 | 25.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $-395 | 25.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $538 | 24.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Huntsville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Huntsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Huntsville 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Huntsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $445.12 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.