Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Beach, AL (Mar 2023)
- Orange Beach Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $31,988
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange Beach
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Orange Beach.
In Orange Beach, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Because a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Orange Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $14,698 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Orange Beach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Orange Beach can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,830 |
| 3 years | $-9,095 |
| 5 years | $-5,360 |
| 7 years | $-1,626 |
| 9 years | $2,109 |
| 11 years | $5,844 |
| 13 years | $9,579 |
| 15 years | $13,314 |
| 17 years | $17,049 |
| 19 years | $20,783 |
| 21 years | $24,518 |
| 23 years | $28,253 |
| 25 years | $31,988 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Orange Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange Beach
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Orange Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Orange Beach, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $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 system 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orange Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Orange Beach?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.