Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mobile, AL (Jul 2022)
- Mobile Solar Installation Cost: $15,465
- 25-Year Savings: $35,599
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mobile
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mobile.
In Mobile, solar panels cost about $2 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mobile, most homeowners require an 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,465, or $11,444 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Mobile based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mobile find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mobile for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mobile
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,422 |
| 3 years | $-9,337 |
| 5 years | $-5,252 |
| 7 years | $-1,167 |
| 9 years | $2,918 |
| 11 years | $7,003 |
| 13 years | $11,088 |
| 15 years | $15,173 |
| 17 years | $19,258 |
| 19 years | $23,344 |
| 21 years | $27,429 |
| 23 years | $31,514 |
| 25 years | $35,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Mobile
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Mobile, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mobile
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mobile
For many Mobile homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mobile, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $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 choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mobile average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Mobile's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,313 | $24,587 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $14,794 | $33,073 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $18,130 | $41,704 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $21,321 | $50,480 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $24,367 | $59,401 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $27,268 | $68,467 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $30,023 | $77,678 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $32,634 | $87,034 | 6.8 years |
Solar Incentives in Mobile
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impact your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Mobile, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mobile?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
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 usage 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 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.
