Solar Panel Cost Guide in Foley, AL (2025 Update)
- Foley Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $20,106
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Foley
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Foley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Foley it’s 3 per watt.The average Foley homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,933 with the federal tax credit, or $29,934 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Foley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, 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.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Foley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,292 |
| 3 years | $-16,009 |
| 5 years | $-12,725 |
| 7 years | $-9,442 |
| 9 years | $-6,159 |
| 11 years | $-2,876 |
| 13 years | $407 |
| 15 years | $3,690 |
| 17 years | $6,973 |
| 19 years | $10,256 |
| 21 years | $13,540 |
| 23 years | $16,823 |
| 25 years | $20,106 |
Top Solar Installers in Foley
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Foley:
See all of the solar companies in Foley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Foley
For many Foley homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Foley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Foley to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Foley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Foley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $17,953 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,328 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,899 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,665 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,627 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,784 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,136 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $66,684 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
EcoWatch's Foley, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Foley?
The average cost of solar panels in Foley 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Foley?
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 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Foley?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.