Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Shores, AL (Mar 2023)
- Gulf Shores Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $32,857
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Shores
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gulf Shores generally cost around 2.45. Since a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gulf Shores, the average price of going solar will be about $14,698 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gulf Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,795 |
| 3 years | $-8,991 |
| 5 years | $-5,187 |
| 7 years | $-1,382 |
| 9 years | $2,422 |
| 11 years | $6,227 |
| 13 years | $10,031 |
| 15 years | $13,835 |
| 17 years | $17,640 |
| 19 years | $21,444 |
| 21 years | $25,249 |
| 23 years | $29,053 |
| 25 years | $32,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulf Shores
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Gulf Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gulf Shores
While the average cost of a solar system in Gulf Shores is $14,698, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gulf Shores average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Gulf Shores homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Gulf Shores, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gulf Shores are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,597 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,404 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,348 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,429 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,648 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,004 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,496 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,126 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Gulf Shores, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gulf Shores?
The average cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gulf Shores?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,109.96 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 buy 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.