Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saraland, AL (Mar 2023)
- Saraland Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $35,538
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saraland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Saraland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Saraland, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.45 per watt. The average Saraland homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,629 with the federal tax credit, or $20,919 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Saraland find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Saraland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Saraland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,622 |
| 3 years | $-8,609 |
| 5 years | $-4,595 |
| 7 years | $-582 |
| 9 years | $3,431 |
| 11 years | $7,445 |
| 13 years | $11,458 |
| 15 years | $15,471 |
| 17 years | $19,485 |
| 19 years | $23,498 |
| 21 years | $27,512 |
| 23 years | $31,525 |
| 25 years | $35,538 |
Top Solar Installers in Saraland
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Saraland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saraland
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Saraland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,450 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 trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Saraland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Saraland, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $24,568 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $33,032 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $41,633 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $50,372 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $59,247 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $68,260 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $77,410 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $86,697 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand 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 ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Saraland, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saraland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Saraland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Saraland. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Saraland is currently $130,768, which means you can expect a value of about $5,361 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Saraland is a fruitful investment.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.