Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Grande, AL (2024 Update)
- Valley Grande Solar Installation Cost: $21,453
- 25-Year Savings: $38,993
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Grande
We go over average solar pricing in Valley Grande.
In Valley Grande, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Valley Grande is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,453 for a solar installation, or $30,678 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Valley Grande depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Grande find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Valley Grande for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Valley Grande
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,606 |
| 3 years | $-15,910 |
| 5 years | $-12,215 |
| 7 years | $-8,520 |
| 9 years | $-4,825 |
| 11 years | $-1,130 |
| 13 years | $2,565 |
| 15 years | $6,261 |
| 17 years | $9,956 |
| 19 years | $13,651 |
| 21 years | $17,346 |
| 23 years | $21,041 |
| 25 years | $24,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Grande
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Valley Grande
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Grande
The cost of installing a solar system in Valley Grande can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Valley Grande average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Valley Grande have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,688 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $29,308 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $37,124 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $45,135 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $53,341 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $61,743 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $70,341 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $79,134 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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 depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand 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 peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating 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 Grande, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Grande?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Grande is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Grande?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley Grande. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Does Valley Grande have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.