Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spanish Fort, AL (2024 Update)
- Spanish Fort Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $33,191
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spanish Fort
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Spanish Fort.
In Spanish Fort, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Spanish Fort homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,933 with the federal tax credit, or $29,934 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Spanish Fort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,172 |
| 3 years | $-15,648 |
| 5 years | $-12,125 |
| 7 years | $-8,601 |
| 9 years | $-5,078 |
| 11 years | $-1,554 |
| 13 years | $1,969 |
| 15 years | $5,493 |
| 17 years | $9,016 |
| 19 years | $12,540 |
| 21 years | $16,063 |
| 23 years | $19,587 |
| 25 years | $23,110 |
Top Solar Installers in Spanish Fort
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Spanish Fort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spanish Fort
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Spanish Fort: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Spanish Fort homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $18,287 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,773 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,455 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,332 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,405 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,673 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,137 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,796 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Spanish Fort, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Spanish Fort?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 cover 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.