Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saraland, AL (2024 Update)
- Saraland Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $35,531
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saraland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Saraland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saraland it’s 3 per watt.Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Saraland, the average price of going solar will be about $20,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Saraland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Saraland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Saraland
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Saraland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saraland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Saraland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Saraland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Saraland to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Saraland, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $20,026 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $27,092 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $34,353 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $41,810 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $49,463 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $57,311 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $65,354 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $73,593 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’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.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 Saraland, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saraland?
The average cost of solar panels in Saraland 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saraland?
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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally 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.