Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuscumbia, AL (2024 Update)
- Tuscumbia Solar Installation Cost: $22,620
- 25-Year Savings: $19,154
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tuscumbia
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tuscumbia.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tuscumbia typically cost around 3.The average Tuscumbia homeowner needs a 9.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,620 with the federal tax credit, or $32,347 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tuscumbia homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Tuscumbia homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Tuscumbia for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tuscumbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,191 |
| 3 years | $-18,331 |
| 5 years | $-15,471 |
| 7 years | $-12,612 |
| 9 years | $-9,752 |
| 11 years | $-6,892 |
| 13 years | $-4,033 |
| 15 years | $-1,173 |
| 17 years | $1,687 |
| 19 years | $4,546 |
| 21 years | $7,406 |
| 23 years | $10,266 |
| 25 years | $13,125 |
Top Solar Installers in Tuscumbia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Tuscumbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tuscumbia
For many Tuscumbia homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tuscumbia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend around $3,490 per kilowatt in Tuscumbia.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tuscumbia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Tuscumbia offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tuscumbia is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $7,458 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $10,334 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $13,407 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $16,674 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $20,137 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $23,796 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $27,650 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $31,699 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Tuscumbia, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tuscumbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Tuscumbia 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 stuff 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 Tuscumbia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Tuscumbia. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tuscumbia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 account for 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.