Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dothan, AL (2023 Update)
- Dothan Solar Installation Cost: $14,903
- 25-Year Savings: $32,930
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dothan
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dothan.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dothan is 2.45 per watt. Because a 8.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Dothan, the average price of going solar will be about $14,903 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dothan find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dothan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,990 |
| 3 years | $-9,163 |
| 5 years | $-5,337 |
| 7 years | $-1,510 |
| 9 years | $2,317 |
| 11 years | $6,143 |
| 13 years | $9,970 |
| 15 years | $13,797 |
| 17 years | $17,623 |
| 19 years | $21,450 |
| 21 years | $25,277 |
| 23 years | $29,103 |
| 25 years | $32,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Dothan
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Dothan:
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 Dothan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dothan
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dothan, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Dothan homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $22,318 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,032 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,882 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,871 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,996 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,258 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $70,658 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,195 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company'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 if the company goes out of business.
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 Dothan, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dothan?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dothan?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dothan. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.