Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Beach, AL (2023 Update)
- Orange Beach Solar Installation Cost: $14,695
- 25-Year Savings: $31,990
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange Beach
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Orange Beach.
In Orange Beach, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Orange Beach is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,698 for a solar installation, or $21,018 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange Beach find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,540 |
| 3 years | $-14,228 |
| 5 years | $-13,917 |
| 7 years | $-13,606 |
| 9 years | $-13,295 |
| 11 years | $-12,983 |
| 13 years | $-12,672 |
| 15 years | $-12,361 |
| 17 years | $-12,050 |
| 19 years | $-11,739 |
| 21 years | $-11,427 |
| 23 years | $-11,116 |
| 25 years | $-10,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange Beach
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Orange Beach, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Orange Beach, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Orange Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Orange Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Orange Beach provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Orange Beach's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,988 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,592 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,333 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,212 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $53,227 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $61,380 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $69,670 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $78,097 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's 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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orange Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Orange Beach, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.