Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saks, AL (Mar 2023)
- Saks Solar Installation Cost: $15,778
- 25-Year Savings: $35,478
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saks
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Saks.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saks it's 2.45 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Saks, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,778, or $22,563 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Saks find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,728 |
| 3 years | $-9,627 |
| 5 years | $-5,527 |
| 7 years | $-1,426 |
| 9 years | $2,674 |
| 11 years | $6,775 |
| 13 years | $10,875 |
| 15 years | $14,976 |
| 17 years | $19,076 |
| 19 years | $23,177 |
| 21 years | $27,277 |
| 23 years | $31,378 |
| 25 years | $35,478 |
Top Solar Installers in Saks
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Saks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saks
For many Saks homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Saks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,450. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Saks average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Saks, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Saks homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Saks, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $22,723 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,571 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,557 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,680 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,941 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,338 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $71,873 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,545 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Saks, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Saks?
You can't get solar panels for free in Saks. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Saks have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.