Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spanish Fort, AL (2023 Update)
- Spanish Fort Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $33,189
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spanish Fort
We break down average solar pricing in Spanish Fort.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Spanish Fort it's 2.45 per watt. The average Spanish Fort homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,698 with the federal tax credit, or $21,018 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Spanish Fort can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Spanish Fort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,782 |
| 3 years | $-8,951 |
| 5 years | $-5,120 |
| 7 years | $-1,289 |
| 9 years | $2,542 |
| 11 years | $6,373 |
| 13 years | $10,203 |
| 15 years | $14,034 |
| 17 years | $17,865 |
| 19 years | $21,696 |
| 21 years | $25,527 |
| 23 years | $29,358 |
| 25 years | $33,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Spanish Fort
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Spanish Fort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spanish Fort
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Spanish Fort is $14,698, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Spanish Fort, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Spanish Fort, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Spanish Fort, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,829 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,714 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $38,735 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $46,894 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $55,190 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $63,623 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $72,193 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $80,900 | 6.9 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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.
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 Spanish Fort, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Spanish Fort?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Spanish Fort?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Spanish Fort, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.