Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bay Minette, AL (2023 Update)
- Bay Minette Solar Installation Cost: $14,695
- 25-Year Savings: $32,845
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bay Minette
We break down average solar pricing in Bay Minette.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bay Minette, the average cost of a solar system is 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bay Minette, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,698, or $21,018 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bay Minette homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bay Minette can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bay Minette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,537 |
| 3 years | $-14,220 |
| 5 years | $-13,903 |
| 7 years | $-13,586 |
| 9 years | $-13,269 |
| 11 years | $-12,952 |
| 13 years | $-12,635 |
| 15 years | $-12,318 |
| 17 years | $-12,001 |
| 19 years | $-11,684 |
| 21 years | $-11,367 |
| 23 years | $-11,051 |
| 25 years | $-10,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Bay Minette
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Bay Minette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bay Minette
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Bay Minette: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,450 per kilowatt in Bay Minette. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bay Minette, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bay Minette, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bay Minette homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Bay Minette, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $22,587 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,390 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,331 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,409 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,624 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,976 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,465 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,092 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Bay Minette, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bay Minette?
The average cost of solar panels in Bay Minette is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bay Minette?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bay Minette. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of 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 needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.