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

  • Kimberly Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,701
  • Payback Period: 10.8 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 Kimberly

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kimberly.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kimberly it’s 3 per watt.Since a 9.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Kimberly, the average price of going solar will be about $22,260 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Kimberly see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Kimberly

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 Kimberly

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Kimberly:

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 Kimberly

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kimberly

The cost of installing a solar system in Kimberly can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Kimberly, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Kimberly, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 $18,554 11.3 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,129 11.1 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,900 10.8 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,866 10.6 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $46,028 10.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $53,385 10.2 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $60,938 10.0 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $68,686 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

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 Kimberly, AL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Kimberly 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Kimberly?

Solar panels aren’t free in Kimberly, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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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