Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, AL (2024 Update)

  • Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $22,478
  • 25-Year Savings: $35,702
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alexandria.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alexandria generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $22,478 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind 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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Alexandria homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Alexandria

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,630
3 years $-16,935
5 years $-13,240
7 years $-9,545
9 years $-5,850
11 years $-2,154
13 years $1,541
15 years $5,236
17 years $8,931
19 years $12,626
21 years $16,321
23 years $20,016
25 years $23,712

Top Solar Installers in Alexandria

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Alexandria:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alexandria

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria

There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Alexandria average.

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 Alexandria homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $18,327 11.4 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $24,827 11.1 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,522 10.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,413 10.7 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,499 10.5 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $52,781 10.3 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $60,258 10.0 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $67,931 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alexandria, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra 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 cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Alexandria?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Alexandria. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Alexandria have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How long do solar panels last in Alexandria?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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