Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexander City, AL (2024 Update)

  • Alexander City Solar Installation Cost: $21,728
  • 25-Year Savings: $32,388
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexander City

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Alexander City.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alexander City it’s 3 per watt.Since a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Alexander City, the average price of going solar will be about $21,728 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Alexander City homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Alexander City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,881
3 years $-16,186
5 years $-12,491
7 years $-8,795
9 years $-5,100
11 years $-1,405
13 years $2,290
15 years $5,985
17 years $9,680
19 years $13,375
21 years $17,071
23 years $20,766
25 years $24,461

Top Solar Installers in Alexander City

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alexander City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexander City

For many Alexander City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alexander City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,490. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Alexander City average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Alexander City provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Alexander City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Alexander City is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $16,894 11.9 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $22,916 11.6 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $29,134 11.4 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $35,547 11.2 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $42,156 10.9 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $48,960 10.7 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $55,959 10.5 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $63,154 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alexander City, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexander City?

The average cost of solar panels in Alexander City 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Alexander City?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Alexander City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.

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