Solar Panel Cost Guide in Roanoke, AL (2023 Update)
- Roanoke Solar Installation Cost: $15,469
- 25-Year Savings: $33,180
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Roanoke
We go over average solar pricing in Roanoke.
The average cost of a solar system in Roanoke is 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Roanoke, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,469, or $22,121 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Roanoke homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Roanoke find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Roanoke
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,523 |
| 3 years | $-9,631 |
| 5 years | $-5,740 |
| 7 years | $-1,848 |
| 9 years | $2,044 |
| 11 years | $5,936 |
| 13 years | $9,828 |
| 15 years | $13,720 |
| 17 years | $17,612 |
| 19 years | $21,504 |
| 21 years | $25,396 |
| 23 years | $29,288 |
| 25 years | $33,180 |
Top Solar Installers in Roanoke
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Roanoke
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Roanoke
For many Roanoke homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests 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 greatly 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. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Roanoke to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Roanoke, 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $21,673 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $29,172 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $36,808 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $44,581 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $52,491 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $60,539 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $68,723 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $77,045 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Roanoke, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Roanoke?
The average cost of solar panels in Roanoke is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get 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.