Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, AL (2023 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $15,181
- 25-Year Savings: $32,991
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Marion.
In Marion, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Marion, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,178, or $21,705 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, 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 Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,333 |
| 3 years | $-9,638 |
| 5 years | $-5,943 |
| 7 years | $-2,247 |
| 9 years | $1,448 |
| 11 years | $5,143 |
| 13 years | $8,838 |
| 15 years | $12,533 |
| 17 years | $16,228 |
| 19 years | $19,923 |
| 21 years | $23,619 |
| 23 years | $27,314 |
| 25 years | $31,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Marion, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Marion homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Marion homeowners, they can also add to 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
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Marion is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Marion know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $21,951 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,542 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,271 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,136 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,139 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $61,280 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,557 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,971 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Marion, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
The average cost of solar panels in Marion 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 cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Marion is currently $80,800, which means you could be looking at a value of about $3,313 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marion is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.