Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Brook, AL (2024 Update)
- Mountain Brook Solar Installation Cost: $22,260
- 25-Year Savings: $23,929
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain Brook
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mountain Brook.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mountain Brook it’s 3 per watt.The average Mountain Brook homeowner needs a 9.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,260 with the federal tax credit, or $31,832 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mountain Brook find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain Brook
| 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 Mountain Brook
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Mountain Brook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Brook
While the average cost of a solar system in Mountain Brook is $22,260, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Mountain Brook, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mountain Brook, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Mountain Brook homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mountain Brook is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Mountain Brook have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Mountain Brook, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain Brook?
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain Brook 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mountain Brook?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Mountain Brook, 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 help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Mountain Brook?
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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.