Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robertsdale, AL (2024 Update)
- Robertsdale Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $32,860
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robertsdale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Robertsdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Robertsdale is 3 per watt.Since a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Robertsdale, the average price of going solar will be about $20,933 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Robertsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,257 |
| 3 years | $-15,906 |
| 5 years | $-12,554 |
| 7 years | $-9,202 |
| 9 years | $-5,850 |
| 11 years | $-2,498 |
| 13 years | $853 |
| 15 years | $4,205 |
| 17 years | $7,557 |
| 19 years | $10,909 |
| 21 years | $14,261 |
| 23 years | $17,612 |
| 25 years | $20,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Robertsdale
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Robertsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robertsdale
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Robertsdale is $20,933, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in Robertsdale.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Robertsdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Robertsdale offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Robertsdale, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,055 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,464 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,068 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,868 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,864 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,054 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,441 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,022 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Robertsdale, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Robertsdale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 extra 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Robertsdale is currently $262,501, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,763 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Robertsdale is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Robertsdale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.