Solar Panel Cost Guide in Theodore, AL (2024 Update)
- Theodore Solar Installation Cost: $20,849
- 25-Year Savings: $36,692
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Theodore
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Theodore.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Theodore it’s 3 per watt.The average Theodore homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,849 with the federal tax credit, or $29,814 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Theodore find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Theodore that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Theodore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,001 |
| 3 years | $-15,306 |
| 5 years | $-11,611 |
| 7 years | $-7,916 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-526 |
| 13 years | $3,170 |
| 15 years | $6,865 |
| 17 years | $10,560 |
| 19 years | $14,255 |
| 21 years | $17,950 |
| 23 years | $21,645 |
| 25 years | $25,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Theodore
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost 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 Theodore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Theodore
Although the average cost of a solar system in Theodore is $20,849, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Theodore, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Theodore average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Theodore have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Theodore homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $20,842 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $28,180 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $35,713 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $43,442 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $51,367 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $59,487 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $67,802 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $76,313 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality 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 Theodore, AL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Theodore?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, 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 Theodore?
Solar panels aren’t free in Theodore, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.