Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montevallo, AL (2024 Update)
- Montevallo Solar Installation Cost: $22,070
- 25-Year Savings: $35,408
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montevallo
We break down average solar pricing in Montevallo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montevallo, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Montevallo homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,070 with the federal tax credit, or $31,560 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montevallo find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Montevallo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Montevallo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,223 |
| 3 years | $-16,527 |
| 5 years | $-12,832 |
| 7 years | $-9,137 |
| 9 years | $-5,442 |
| 11 years | $-1,747 |
| 13 years | $1,948 |
| 15 years | $5,644 |
| 17 years | $9,339 |
| 19 years | $13,034 |
| 21 years | $16,729 |
| 23 years | $20,424 |
| 25 years | $24,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Montevallo
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Montevallo, we've 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 Montevallo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montevallo
Cost is often 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 Montevallo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in Montevallo.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montevallo offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Montevallo, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,562 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,140 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,913 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,883 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,047 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $53,407 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,962 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $68,713 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Montevallo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Montevallo, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montevallo?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Montevallo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Montevallo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 get 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.