Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citronelle, AL (2023 Update)
- Citronelle Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $33,810
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citronelle
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Citronelle.
The average cost of a solar system in Citronelle is 2.45 per watt. Because a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Citronelle, the average price of going solar will be about $14,629 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Citronelle depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Citronelle find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Citronelle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Citronelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,691 |
| 3 years | $-8,816 |
| 5 years | $-4,941 |
| 7 years | $-1,066 |
| 9 years | $2,809 |
| 11 years | $6,684 |
| 13 years | $10,559 |
| 15 years | $14,434 |
| 17 years | $18,309 |
| 19 years | $22,184 |
| 21 years | $26,060 |
| 23 years | $29,935 |
| 25 years | $33,810 |
Top Solar Installers in Citronelle
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Citronelle is $14,629, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
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. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Citronelle, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Citronelle, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $23,353 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $31,412 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,608 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,942 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $56,412 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $65,020 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $73,765 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $82,647 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Citronelle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Citronelle 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Citronelle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Citronelle have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity 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 goes down 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.