Solar Panels Cost 16k-27k in Gardendale, AL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Gardendale, AL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gardendale, AL in 2024?

To go solar in October, 2024 in Gardendale, AL costs, on average, $3.95/W.

It will cost you $3,950, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) your panels is able to generate. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend around $13,825 for a 5 kW solar setup in Gardendale. Subject to your energy usage habits, you could require a bigger system.

To the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the average maximum production capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. Below is a full overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Gardendale: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gardendale: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Gardendale: $24,969US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Gardendale

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Gardendale.

Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 12.5kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Gardendale, AL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

On average, Gardendale energy consumers have a monthly electric bill of $186.33 and use 1,142 kWh. Please note that this number also encompasses data from smaller residential units, including apartments.

The rate of electricity in Gardendale, AL, on average, is 16.32¢ per kWh for October 2024.

In Gardendale, typical users has to have a system size of 10 kW or greater to fully take care of their full power needs. Currently, a 10 kW setup costs around $39,500 before incentives, with the 30% federal tax credit, the price lowers to $27,650.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Gardendale

On your left, we've provided a detailed cost breakdown for the various solar panel system sizes installed in Gardendale. Of course, with a more extensive solar system, you will have a higher upfront cost, but the advantages include greater energy savings and more substantial income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator located down and to the right, you can examine a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $186.33electric bill in Gardendale. To get custom results, adjust the $186.33 to match your average electricity payment.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,450 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 170 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,163 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,692 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $141
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 198 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,690 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,934 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $161
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.94 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,217 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,176 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $181
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 255 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,744 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,417 a year
Est. Price
$27,650
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 15,109 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $186
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 262 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,100 mi less a year

Gardendale Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The financial burden of installing solar or wind turbines for rural farmlands and small businesses could be eased with the REAP Grant, covering 80% to 100% of the costs. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to nearly everyone, making solar power a good investment in many parts of the country. A range of state and local initiatives are offered to support the use of solar energy.

There are 4 solar rebate and incentive programs currently available in Alabama by multiple utilities and government bodies.

Local Government Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

Through its public-private partnership with PowerSouth, Alabama's Local Government Energy Loan Program offers zero-interest loans to governments and educational institutes for improvements involving renewable energy sources. The loans are repayable through savings on utility bills. They may borrow up to $350,000 for eligible projects, while schools may ask for $350,000 pr campus or $500,000 per system. There is a minimum loan of $50,000. An energy audit must be completed to identify improvements and the recipient must be benchmarked using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager program following installation. Details and application are available on the program website.

Local Option- Sales Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Facilities

Value:Varies

In order to encourage renewable energy sources, Alabama allows local governments to provide exemptions and abatement for qualifying renewable energy facilities; the precise governmental body depends on the size of the facility. Facilities may also qualify for a reduced tax rate of 1.5%, although it was only available until 2019. Hydroelectric power is exempted from the definition of renewable energy resource, but most other renewable resources do meet the definition. Note that the local government can impose an additional sales or use tax. The exemption and abatement only apply to the noneducational portion of the sales tax.

Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities

Value:Varies

Alabama provides abatement of property tax for qualifying renewable energy facilities for the noneducational part of the property tax. While most renewable resources are included in the program, hydroelectric power is exempted. The property tax abatement is based on the annual value of the assessed value. The abatement may be given for ten years and extended for another ten years, for a total of twenty years, depending on the permission of the local authority. Interested facilities can apply with the local governmental body. The local authority will perform a cost/benefit analysis to determine the maximum exemption period for the abatement.

AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program

Value:Varies

Alabama SAVES funds subordinated participating interests in qualified third-party loans for financing energy projects of existing Alabama businesses. The participating interest can be 25% of the loan or 100% of the cost of the project, whichever is lower. Before funding can be awarded, the project must undergo an energy assessment and an estimated energy savings impact must be submitted to ensure the loan will be paid back within 10 years. This program was initially capitalized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Program and is offered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Please see the program website for information and program materials.

Are solar panels worth it in Alabama?

If your plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, opting for solar panels is a good move in Gardendale. A 5 kW system in Gardendale, AL will help you save the average homeowner, on average, $30,894.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gardendale, AL

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you miss out on the savings mentioned earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. The news has given several examples highlighting that full reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

Customers in Gardendale have experienced around 1.12 outages per year on average. Each outage lasts an average of 110.26 minutes. In the case of major events such as grid management errors, hurricanes or vandalism, this period can increase substantially.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Jefferson County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gardendale, AL?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt drops as the size of the system expands. Installing a solar system that generates sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most consumers, leading to savings.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Since your installer may prefer particular systems, it's important to choose a highly rated company. Opting for higher quality equipment generally provides a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have taken over as the standard in the industry, and it's easy to see why. They are associated with a higher price, but they provide more energy. The majority of solar panel installers prefer this kind of material.

Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues such as trees, uneven landscapes, or additional challenges may add to the complexity of the installation. Solar installers currently have the ability to utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these elements in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies result in costs that are passed on to the consumers. Businesses frequently receive higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by region, will affect your final installation price. Reliable local installers will build these figures into your initial estimates to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Gardendale?

Eagle Solar and Light

Birmingham, AL(205) 202-2208

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Tungsten Electric

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government, TN(615) 491-0206

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Gardendale, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In October, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Gardendale, AL is $3.95/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Gardendale, AL will cost approximately $13,825 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Alabama are offering 4 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Choosing to pay cash offers the most savings, but today there are many financing options for solar panels that are also financially advantageous. Information about financing options will often be included in your initial quotes by many installers.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Gardendale, AL averages 6 years, with electricity savings of about $30,894.2 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01