Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spanish Fort, AL (2024 Update)
- Spanish Fort Solar Installation Cost: $20,933
- 25-Year Savings: $33,191
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spanish Fort
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Spanish Fort.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Spanish Fort it’s 3 per watt.The average Spanish Fort homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,933 with the federal tax credit, or $29,934 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Spanish Fort based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Spanish Fort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,172 |
| 3 years | $-15,648 |
| 5 years | $-12,125 |
| 7 years | $-8,601 |
| 9 years | $-5,078 |
| 11 years | $-1,554 |
| 13 years | $1,969 |
| 15 years | $5,493 |
| 17 years | $9,016 |
| 19 years | $12,540 |
| 21 years | $16,063 |
| 23 years | $19,587 |
| 25 years | $23,110 |
Top Solar Installers in Spanish Fort
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Spanish Fort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spanish Fort
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,490. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Spanish Fort to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall 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 in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Spanish Fort is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 extra 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 | $18,287 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,773 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,455 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $38,332 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $45,405 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,673 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $60,137 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,796 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Spanish Fort, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Spanish Fort, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Spanish Fort?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other 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 less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Spanish Fort?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.