Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Shores, AL (2024 Update)
- Gulf Shores Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $32,860
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Shores
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Gulf Shores.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gulf Shores it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gulf Shores is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,933 for a solar installation, or $29,934 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gulf Shores find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Gulf Shores, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gulf Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,279 |
| 3 years | $-15,970 |
| 5 years | $-12,661 |
| 7 years | $-9,352 |
| 9 years | $-6,043 |
| 11 years | $-2,734 |
| 13 years | $574 |
| 15 years | $3,883 |
| 17 years | $7,192 |
| 19 years | $10,501 |
| 21 years | $13,810 |
| 23 years | $17,119 |
| 25 years | $20,428 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulf Shores
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Gulf Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gulf Shores
While the average cost of a solar system in Gulf Shores is $20,933, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gulf Shores, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gulf Shores have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Gulf Shores, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $18,055 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,464 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,068 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,868 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,864 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,054 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,441 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,022 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Gulf Shores, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Gulf Shores, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gulf Shores?
The average cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gulf Shores?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gulf Shores. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gulf Shores?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.