Solar Panel Cost Guide in Roanoke, AL (2025 Update)

  • Roanoke Solar Installation Cost: $22,026
  • 25-Year Savings: $33,186
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Roanoke

We go over average solar pricing in Roanoke.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Roanoke, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Roanoke homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,026 with the federal tax credit, or $31,497 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Roanoke

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-20,179
3 years$-16,484
5 years$-12,788
7 years$-9,093
9 years$-5,398
11 years$-1,703
13 years$1,992
15 years$5,687
17 years$9,383
19 years$13,078
21 years$16,773
23 years$20,468
25 years$24,163

Top Solar Installers in Roanoke

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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See all of the solar companies in Roanoke

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Roanoke

For many Roanoke homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Roanoke, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Roanoke, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Roanoke, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.63$15,244$17,13011.8 years
8 kW$3.56$19,935$23,23111.5 years
10 kW$3.49$24,430$29,52811.3 years
12 kW$3.42$28,730$36,01911.1 years
14 kW$3.35$32,834$42,70710.9 years
16 kW$3.28$36,743$49,58910.6 years
18 kW$3.21$40,456$56,66810.4 years
20 kW$3.14$43,974$63,94110.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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EcoWatch's Roanoke, AL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Roanoke?

The average cost of solar panels in Roanoke 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Roanoke?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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.

Does Roanoke have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.