Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prichard, AL (2023 Update)
- Prichard Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $36,699
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prichard
We break down average solar pricing in Prichard.
In Prichard, solar panels cost about 2.45 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.5-kW system would cost about $14,629 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Prichard homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prichard find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prichard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,576 |
| 3 years | $-8,470 |
| 5 years | $-4,363 |
| 7 years | $-257 |
| 9 years | $3,849 |
| 11 years | $7,955 |
| 13 years | $12,061 |
| 15 years | $16,168 |
| 17 years | $20,274 |
| 19 years | $24,380 |
| 21 years | $28,486 |
| 23 years | $32,593 |
| 25 years | $36,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Prichard
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Prichard:
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 Prichard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prichard
For many Prichard homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prichard, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prichard to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's a good idea to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Prichard, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Prichard have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $25,384 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $34,120 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $42,993 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $52,004 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $61,151 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $70,436 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $79,858 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $89,417 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want 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 Prichard, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prichard?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prichard?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Prichard, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.