Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citronelle, AL (2024 Update)
- Citronelle Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $33,803
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citronelle
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Citronelle.
In Citronelle, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Citronelle homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,849 with the federal tax credit, or $29,814 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Citronelle based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Citronelle find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Citronelle for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Citronelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Citronelle
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Citronelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Citronelle
For many Citronelle homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Citronelle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Citronelle, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Citronelle provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Citronelle are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,811 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $25,472 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $32,328 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $39,380 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $46,628 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $54,071 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $61,709 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $69,543 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Citronelle, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Citronelle?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Citronelle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Citronelle 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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Citronelle?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.