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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alexandria.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alexandria it’s 3 per watt.The average Alexandria homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,478 with the federal tax credit, or $32,144 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Alexandria see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Alexandria for a quote for your home.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
The cost of installing a solar system in Alexandria can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Alexandria, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Alexandria average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total 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
There are many companies available in Alexandria, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Alexandria, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alexandria?
The average cost of solar panels in Alexandria 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Alexandria have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Alexandria?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.