Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gadsden, AL (2024 Update)
- Gadsden Solar Installation Cost: $22,590
- 25-Year Savings: $34,941
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gadsden
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gadsden.
In Gadsden, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Gadsden is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,590 for a solar installation, or $32,304 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gadsden homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Gadsden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gadsden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,743 |
| 3 years | $-17,047 |
| 5 years | $-13,352 |
| 7 years | $-9,657 |
| 9 years | $-5,962 |
| 11 years | $-2,267 |
| 13 years | $1,428 |
| 15 years | $5,124 |
| 17 years | $8,819 |
| 19 years | $12,514 |
| 21 years | $16,209 |
| 23 years | $19,904 |
| 25 years | $23,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Gadsden
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Gadsden, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Gadsden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gadsden
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Gadsden is $22,590, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Gadsden, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Gadsden homeowners, they can also raise 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Gadsden’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $17,718 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,015 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $30,507 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,195 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,078 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $51,156 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $58,431 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $65,900 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Gadsden, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gadsden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Gadsden?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gadsden, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Gadsden have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.