Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mobile, AL (2024 Update)
- Mobile Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $36,428
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mobile
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mobile.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mobile, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mobile, the average price of going solar will be about $20,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Mobile homeowner can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Mobile, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mobile
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Mobile
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Mobile, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Mobile, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Mobile
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mobile
Though the average cost of a solar system in Mobile is $20,849, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $3,490. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mobile, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Mobile, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $20,656 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $27,932 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $35,404 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $43,071 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $50,934 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $58,992 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $67,246 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $75,694 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Mobile, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
EcoWatch's Mobile, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mobile?
The average cost of solar panels in Mobile is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,196.68 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 consumption and the amount of 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 install 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.