Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northport, AL (2024 Update)
- Northport Solar Installation Cost: $21,928
- 25-Year Savings: $35,934
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northport
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Northport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northport it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Northport is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,928 for a solar installation, or $31,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Northport depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Northport see about $22,000 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 Northport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,080 |
| 3 years | $-16,385 |
| 5 years | $-12,690 |
| 7 years | $-8,994 |
| 9 years | $-5,299 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $2,091 |
| 15 years | $5,786 |
| 17 years | $9,481 |
| 19 years | $13,176 |
| 21 years | $16,872 |
| 23 years | $20,567 |
| 25 years | $24,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Northport
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Northport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northport
Though the average cost of a solar system in Northport is $21,928, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Northport, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northport average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Northport, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Northport homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Northport is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Northport are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 end up saving you 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 | $19,067 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,813 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,755 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,892 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,225 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $54,753 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $62,477 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $70,396 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Northport, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northport?
The average cost of solar panels in Northport 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northport?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Northport?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.