Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Bay, AL (Mar 2023)
- Grand Bay Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $33,270
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Bay
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Grand Bay.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Grand Bay typically cost around 2.45. Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Grand Bay, the average price of going solar will be about $14,629 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Grand Bay find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,713 |
| 3 years | $-8,881 |
| 5 years | $-5,049 |
| 7 years | $-1,217 |
| 9 years | $2,615 |
| 11 years | $6,446 |
| 13 years | $10,278 |
| 15 years | $14,110 |
| 17 years | $17,942 |
| 19 years | $21,774 |
| 21 years | $25,606 |
| 23 years | $29,438 |
| 25 years | $33,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Bay
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Grand Bay:
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 Grand Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Bay
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,450. 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Grand Bay average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Grand Bay, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Grand Bay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 additional 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,973 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,906 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,975 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $47,182 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,526 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $64,007 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,625 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $81,380 | 6.9 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Grand Bay, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Bay?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Grand Bay?
A solar panel system isn't free in Grand Bay, 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 further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.