Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Shores, AL (2023 Update)
- Gulf Shores Solar Installation Cost: $14,695
- 25-Year Savings: $32,860
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Shores
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gulf Shores.
In Gulf Shores, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $14,698 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gulf Shores can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Gulf Shores that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gulf Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,041 |
| 3 years | $-9,732 |
| 5 years | $-6,423 |
| 7 years | $-3,114 |
| 9 years | $195 |
| 11 years | $3,504 |
| 13 years | $6,812 |
| 15 years | $10,121 |
| 17 years | $13,430 |
| 19 years | $16,739 |
| 21 years | $20,048 |
| 23 years | $23,357 |
| 25 years | $26,666 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulf Shores
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
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 largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gulf Shores, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Gulf Shores, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $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 panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 $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.
Are solar panels free in Gulf Shores?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gulf Shores. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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.