Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gadsden, AL (2023 Update)
- Gadsden Solar Installation Cost: $15,864
- 25-Year Savings: $34,936
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gadsden
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gadsden.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gadsden typically cost around 2.45. Since a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Gadsden, the average price of going solar will be about $15,864 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gadsden homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Gadsden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,832 |
| 3 years | $-9,768 |
| 5 years | $-5,704 |
| 7 years | $-1,640 |
| 9 years | $2,424 |
| 11 years | $6,488 |
| 13 years | $10,552 |
| 15 years | $14,616 |
| 17 years | $18,680 |
| 19 years | $22,744 |
| 21 years | $26,808 |
| 23 years | $30,872 |
| 25 years | $34,936 |
Top Solar Installers in Gadsden
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer 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 Gadsden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gadsden
The cost of installing a solar system in Gadsden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gadsden offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gadsden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down 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 take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Gadsden, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $22,261 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,955 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,787 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,756 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,862 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,106 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $70,486 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,004 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Gadsden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Gadsden, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gadsden?
The average cost of solar panels in Gadsden is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gadsden?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gadsden. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Gadsden?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Gadsden?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.
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.