Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairhope, AL (2025 Update)
- Fairhope Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $32,840
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairhope
We go over average solar pricing in Fairhope.
The average cost of solar panels in Fairhope is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairhope, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,933, or $29,934 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairhope homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairhope
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-19,279 |
3 years | $-15,970 |
5 years | $-12,661 |
7 years | $-9,352 |
9 years | $-6,043 |
11 years | $-2,734 |
13 years | $574 |
15 years | $3,883 |
17 years | $7,192 |
19 years | $10,501 |
21 years | $13,810 |
23 years | $17,119 |
25 years | $20,428 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairhope
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Fairhope
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairhope
For many Fairhope homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairhope, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fairhope average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fairhope have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fairhope 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
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fairhope, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,041 | 11.4 years |
8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,445 | 11.2 years |
10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,045 | 11.0 years |
12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,840 | 10.8 years |
14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,831 | 10.6 years |
16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,017 | 10.3 years |
18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,399 | 10.1 years |
20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,976 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Fairhope, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairhope?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairhope?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairhope?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.