Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuskegee, AL (2024 Update)

  • Tuskegee Solar Installation Cost: $21,506
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,875
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tuskegee

We go over average solar pricing in Tuskegee.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tuskegee generally cost around 3.The average Tuskegee homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,506 with the federal tax credit, or $30,754 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tuskegee homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Tuskegee homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Tuskegee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Tuskegee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,658
3 years $-15,963
5 years $-12,268
7 years $-8,573
9 years $-4,878
11 years $-1,183
13 years $2,513
15 years $6,208
17 years $9,903
19 years $13,598
21 years $17,293
23 years $20,988
25 years $24,684

Top Solar Installers in Tuskegee

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Tuskegee:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Tuskegee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tuskegee

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Tuskegee: 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,490 per kilowatt in Tuskegee.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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tuskegee average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tuskegee, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tuskegee 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

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tuskegee is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 car 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 $18,815 11.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $25,478 11.0 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $32,336 10.8 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $39,389 10.5 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $46,638 10.3 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $54,083 10.1 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $61,723 9.9 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $69,558 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Tuskegee, AL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tuskegee?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,135.32 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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