Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prichard, AL (2024 Update)

  • Prichard Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,340
  • Payback Period: 10.2 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 Prichard

We break down average solar pricing in Prichard.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Prichard generally cost around 3.The average Prichard homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,849 with the federal tax credit, or $29,814 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prichard find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Prichard

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,001
3 years $-15,306
5 years $-11,611
7 years $-7,916
9 years $-4,221
11 years $-526
13 years $3,170
15 years $6,865
17 years $10,560
19 years $14,255
21 years $17,950
23 years $21,645
25 years $25,340

Top Solar Installers in Prichard

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Prichard

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prichard

For many Prichard homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Prichard, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Most solar installers in Prichard have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $20,842 10.6 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $28,180 10.4 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $35,713 10.2 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $43,442 10.0 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $51,367 9.7 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $59,487 9.5 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $67,802 9.3 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $76,313 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 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 a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Prichard?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Prichard, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Prichard?

Solar panels can be a great 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 power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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