Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gadsden, AL (2024 Update)
- Gadsden Solar Installation Cost: $22,590
- 25-Year Savings: $34,941
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gadsden
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gadsden.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gadsden, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Gadsden, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $22,590, or $32,304 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gadsden can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Gadsden for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gadsden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,743 |
| 3 years | $-17,047 |
| 5 years | $-13,352 |
| 7 years | $-9,657 |
| 9 years | $-5,962 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $1,428 |
| 15 years | $5,124 |
| 17 years | $8,819 |
| 19 years | $12,514 |
| 21 years | $16,209 |
| 23 years | $19,904 |
| 25 years | $23,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Gadsden
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Gadsden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gadsden
The cost of installing a solar system in Gadsden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,490 per kilowatt in Gadsden.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gadsden homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gadsden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Gadsden, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,718 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,015 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,507 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,195 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,078 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,156 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $58,431 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $65,900 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Gadsden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Gadsden, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gadsden?
The average cost of solar panels in Gadsden 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gadsden?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gadsden. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gadsden?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.