Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dothan, AL (2024 Update)
- Dothan Solar Installation Cost: $21,234
- 25-Year Savings: $32,927
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dothan
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dothan.
The average cost of solar panels in Dothan is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $21,234 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Dothan depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dothan that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dothan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,456 |
| 3 years | $-15,900 |
| 5 years | $-12,344 |
| 7 years | $-8,788 |
| 9 years | $-5,232 |
| 11 years | $-1,677 |
| 13 years | $1,879 |
| 15 years | $5,435 |
| 17 years | $8,991 |
| 19 years | $12,547 |
| 21 years | $16,103 |
| 23 years | $19,659 |
| 25 years | $23,215 |
Top Solar Installers in Dothan
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Dothan, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Dothan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $3,490.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dothan homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $17,775 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,091 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,602 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,309 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,212 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,309 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $58,602 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,091 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model 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 making your decision.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Dothan is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dothan?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Dothan?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Dothan?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.