Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Beach, AL (2024 Update)

  • Orange Beach Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,990
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange Beach

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Orange Beach.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Orange Beach typically cost about 3.Because a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Orange Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $20,933 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange Beach find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Orange Beach, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Orange Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,343
3 years $-16,163
5 years $-12,983
7 years $-9,803
9 years $-6,623
11 years $-3,443
13 years $-262
15 years $2,918
17 years $6,098
19 years $9,278
21 years $12,458
23 years $15,638
25 years $18,818

Top Solar Installers in Orange Beach

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 your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Orange Beach, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Orange Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange Beach

While the average cost of a solar system in Orange Beach is $20,933, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,490.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Orange Beach, 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Orange Beach homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Orange Beach is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 $17,446 11.7 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $23,652 11.4 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $30,053 11.2 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $36,650 11.0 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $43,443 10.8 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $50,431 10.5 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $57,614 10.3 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $64,993 10.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: When reading 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 the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Orange Beach, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange Beach?

The average cost of solar panels in Orange Beach 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Orange Beach?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.

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