Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robertsdale, AL (Feb 2023)
- Robertsdale Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $32,857
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robertsdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Robertsdale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Robertsdale, the typical cost of a solar system is $2 per watt. The average Robertsdale homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,698, or $10,877 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Robertsdale can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Robertsdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Robertsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,795 |
| 3 years | $-8,991 |
| 5 years | $-5,187 |
| 7 years | $-1,382 |
| 9 years | $2,422 |
| 11 years | $6,227 |
| 13 years | $10,031 |
| 15 years | $13,835 |
| 17 years | $17,640 |
| 19 years | $21,444 |
| 21 years | $25,249 |
| 23 years | $29,053 |
| 25 years | $32,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Robertsdale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Robertsdale:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Robertsdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,450 per kilowatt in Robertsdale. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Robertsdale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Robertsdale, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Robertsdale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better 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 companies.
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 | $22,597 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,404 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,348 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,429 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,648 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,004 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,496 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,126 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Robertsdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Robertsdale is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about 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 home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.