Solar Panel Cost Guide in Daphne, AL (2023 Update)
- Daphne Solar Installation Cost: $14,695
- 25-Year Savings: $33,461
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Daphne
We go over average solar pricing in Daphne.
In Daphne, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Daphne is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,698 for a solar installation, or $21,018 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Daphne based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Daphne can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Daphne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,912 |
| 3 years | $-9,346 |
| 5 years | $-5,779 |
| 7 years | $-2,213 |
| 9 years | $1,353 |
| 11 years | $4,920 |
| 13 years | $8,486 |
| 15 years | $12,053 |
| 17 years | $15,619 |
| 19 years | $19,185 |
| 21 years | $22,752 |
| 23 years | $26,318 |
| 25 years | $29,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Daphne
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Daphne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Daphne
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Daphne offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Daphne homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Daphne is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 promotion 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type 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: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer 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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Daphne?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.