Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southside, AL (2024 Update)
- Southside Solar Installation Cost: $22,534
- 25-Year Savings: $35,411
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southside
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Southside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southside, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $22,534 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Southside depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Southside homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Southside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Southside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,686 |
| 3 years | $-16,991 |
| 5 years | $-13,296 |
| 7 years | $-9,601 |
| 9 years | $-5,906 |
| 11 years | $-2,210 |
| 13 years | $1,485 |
| 15 years | $5,180 |
| 17 years | $8,875 |
| 19 years | $12,570 |
| 21 years | $16,265 |
| 23 years | $19,960 |
| 25 years | $23,656 |
Top Solar Installers in Southside
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Southside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southside
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Southside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Southside, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $18,080 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,497 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,110 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,918 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,922 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,121 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,516 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,106 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Southside, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southside?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Southside?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Southside. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Southside is currently $250,271, which means you can expect a value of about $10,261 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Southside is a rewarding investment.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 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.