Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prattville, AL (2024 Update)
- Prattville Solar Installation Cost: $21,606
- 25-Year Savings: $35,734
- Payback Period: 10.6 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 Prattville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Prattville.
In Prattville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Prattville homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,606 with the federal tax credit, or $30,897 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Prattville depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Prattville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,759 |
| 3 years | $-16,065 |
| 5 years | $-12,370 |
| 7 years | $-8,676 |
| 9 years | $-4,982 |
| 11 years | $-1,288 |
| 13 years | $2,406 |
| 15 years | $6,100 |
| 17 years | $9,794 |
| 19 years | $13,488 |
| 21 years | $17,183 |
| 23 years | $20,877 |
| 25 years | $24,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Prattville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Prattville, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar 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 Prattville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prattville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Prattville is $21,606, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Prattville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Prattville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,288 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $26,109 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $33,125 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $40,336 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $47,742 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $55,345 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $63,142 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $71,135 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Prattville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prattville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prattville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.