Solar Panel Cost Guide in Daphne, AL (2023 Update)
- Daphne Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $33,459
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Daphne
We break down average solar pricing in Daphne.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Daphne generally cost about 2.45. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $14,698 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Daphne homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Daphne find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Daphne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,771 |
| 3 years | $-8,919 |
| 5 years | $-5,066 |
| 7 years | $-1,214 |
| 9 years | $2,639 |
| 11 years | $6,491 |
| 13 years | $10,344 |
| 15 years | $14,196 |
| 17 years | $18,049 |
| 19 years | $21,901 |
| 21 years | $25,754 |
| 23 years | $29,606 |
| 25 years | $33,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Daphne
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Daphne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Daphne
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Daphne is $14,698, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Daphne, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Daphne, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Daphne is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $23,018 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,966 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $39,050 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,272 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,630 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,126 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,760 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,530 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Daphne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Daphne, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Daphne?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Daphne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.