Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Shores, AL (2024 Update)
- Gulf Shores Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $32,860
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Shores
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Gulf Shores.
In Gulf Shores, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Gulf Shores 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.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Gulf Shores based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gulf Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,279 |
| 3 years | $-15,970 |
| 5 years | $-12,661 |
| 7 years | $-9,352 |
| 9 years | $-6,043 |
| 11 years | $-2,734 |
| 13 years | $574 |
| 15 years | $3,883 |
| 17 years | $7,192 |
| 19 years | $10,501 |
| 21 years | $13,810 |
| 23 years | $17,119 |
| 25 years | $20,428 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulf Shores
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Gulf Shores can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gulf Shores homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Gulf Shores, and each can charge varying amounts 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,055 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,464 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,068 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,868 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,864 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,054 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,441 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,022 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Gulf Shores, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain 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 good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gulf Shores?
The average cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gulf Shores?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gulf Shores, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gulf Shores?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.