Solar Panel Cost Guide in Theodore, AL (Feb 2023)
- Theodore Solar Installation Cost: $14,629
- 25-Year Savings: $36,699
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Theodore
We break down average solar pricing in Theodore.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Theodore it's $2 per watt. Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Theodore, the average price of going solar will be about $14,629 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Theodore depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Theodore find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Theodore for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Theodore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,576 |
| 3 years | $-8,470 |
| 5 years | $-4,363 |
| 7 years | $-257 |
| 9 years | $3,849 |
| 11 years | $7,955 |
| 13 years | $12,061 |
| 15 years | $16,168 |
| 17 years | $20,274 |
| 19 years | $24,380 |
| 21 years | $28,486 |
| 23 years | $32,593 |
| 25 years | $36,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Theodore
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost 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 Theodore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Theodore
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Theodore: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,450. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Theodore homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Theodore, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $25,384 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $34,120 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $42,993 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $52,004 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $61,151 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $70,436 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $79,858 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $89,417 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Theodore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,202.87 per year.
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 larger amount 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.