Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bay Minette, AL (2024 Update)
- Bay Minette Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $32,845
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bay Minette
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bay Minette.
The average cost of a solar system in Bay Minette is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bay Minette, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,933, or $29,934 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Bay Minette depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bay Minette can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bay Minette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,086 |
| 3 years | $-15,391 |
| 5 years | $-11,695 |
| 7 years | $-8,000 |
| 9 years | $-4,305 |
| 11 years | $-610 |
| 13 years | $3,085 |
| 15 years | $6,780 |
| 17 years | $10,475 |
| 19 years | $14,171 |
| 21 years | $17,866 |
| 23 years | $21,561 |
| 25 years | $25,256 |
Top Solar Installers in Bay Minette
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Bay Minette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bay Minette
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Bay Minette: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bay Minette, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Bay Minette, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bay Minette are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,044 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,450 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,051 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,847 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,839 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,027 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,410 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,988 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Bay Minette, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bay Minette?
The average cost of solar panels in Bay Minette 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bay Minette?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bay Minette?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.