Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, AL (2023 Update)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $15,780
- 25-Year Savings: $35,702
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alexandria.
The average cost of solar panels in Alexandria is 2.45 per watt. The average Alexandria homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,778 with the federal tax credit, or $22,563 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Alexandria depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,608 |
| 3 years | $-15,265 |
| 5 years | $-14,922 |
| 7 years | $-14,578 |
| 9 years | $-14,235 |
| 11 years | $-13,892 |
| 13 years | $-13,549 |
| 15 years | $-13,205 |
| 17 years | $-12,862 |
| 19 years | $-12,519 |
| 21 years | $-12,176 |
| 23 years | $-11,833 |
| 25 years | $-11,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Alexandria, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alexandria, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Alexandria, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alexandria, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various 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 find a company that offers 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,870 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,767 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,802 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,974 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,284 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,730 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,314 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,035 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts 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 Alexandria, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alexandria is currently $140,934, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,778 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alexandria is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.