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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Theodore, the typical cost of a solar system is 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Theodore homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Theodore can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Theodore, you can click the button below.
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 it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
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 Theodore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Theodore
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Theodore is $20,849, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,490. 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on 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 the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Theodore?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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."
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 install 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.