Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, AL (2024 Update)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $21,751
- 25-Year Savings: $34,146
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valley it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Valley, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $21,751, or $31,104 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,903 |
| 3 years | $-16,208 |
| 5 years | $-12,513 |
| 7 years | $-8,818 |
| 9 years | $-5,122 |
| 11 years | $-1,427 |
| 13 years | $2,268 |
| 15 years | $5,963 |
| 17 years | $9,658 |
| 19 years | $13,353 |
| 21 years | $17,049 |
| 23 years | $20,744 |
| 25 years | $24,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Valley:
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
Although the average cost of a solar system in Valley is $21,751, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Valley, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $18,057 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,466 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,072 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,872 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,868 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,060 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,447 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,029 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, 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: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page 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 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 Valley, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Valley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.