Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muscle Shoals, AL (2024 Update)
- Muscle Shoals Solar Installation Cost: $22,620
- 25-Year Savings: $14,981
- Payback Period: 18.3 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 Muscle Shoals
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Muscle Shoals.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Muscle Shoals, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Muscle Shoals is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,620 for a solar installation, or $32,347 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Muscle Shoals
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,131 |
| 3 years | $-18,152 |
| 5 years | $-15,173 |
| 7 years | $-12,195 |
| 9 years | $-9,216 |
| 11 years | $-6,237 |
| 13 years | $-3,258 |
| 15 years | $-280 |
| 17 years | $2,699 |
| 19 years | $5,678 |
| 21 years | $8,657 |
| 23 years | $11,635 |
| 25 years | $14,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Muscle Shoals
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Muscle Shoals:
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 Muscle Shoals
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Muscle Shoals
While the average cost of a solar system in Muscle Shoals is $22,620, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Muscle Shoals is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of 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 offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4,753 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $6,729 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $8,900 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $11,266 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $13,828 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $16,585 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $19,537 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $22,685 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through 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 such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Muscle Shoals, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Muscle Shoals?
The average cost of solar panels in Muscle Shoals 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.