Solar Panel Cost Guide in Daphne, AL (2024 Update)

  • Daphne Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,461
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Daphne

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Daphne.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Daphne typically cost about 3.Since a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Daphne, the average price of going solar will be about $20,933 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Daphne find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Daphne

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,150
3 years $-15,584
5 years $-12,017
7 years $-8,451
9 years $-4,885
11 years $-1,318
13 years $2,248
15 years $5,815
17 years $9,381
19 years $12,947
21 years $16,514
23 years $20,080
25 years $23,647

Top Solar Installers in Daphne

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Daphne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Daphne average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Daphne is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access 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 down 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 $3.63 $15,244 $18,476 11.3 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,025 11.1 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $31,770 10.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $38,710 10.7 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $45,846 10.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $53,177 10.2 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $60,704 10.0 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $68,426 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Daphne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Daphne?

The average cost of solar panels in Daphne is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Daphne?

Solar panels aren’t free in Daphne, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,124.00 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Daphne?

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 level 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.

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