Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuskegee, AL (2023 Update)

  • Tuskegee Solar Installation Cost: $15,092
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,880
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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

See how much it might cost to go solar in Tuskegee.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tuskegee generally cost about 2.45. The average Tuskegee homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,092 with the federal tax credit, or $21,582 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Tuskegee depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Tuskegee can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted 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 $-13,093
3 years $-9,095
5 years $-5,098
7 years $-1,100
9 years $2,898
11 years $6,896
13 years $10,893
15 years $14,891
17 years $18,889
19 years $22,887
21 years $26,884
23 years $30,882
25 years $34,880

Top Solar Installers in Tuskegee

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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

For many Tuskegee homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tuskegee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,450 per kilowatt in Tuskegee. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tuskegee, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Tuskegee have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Tuskegee is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $23,358 7.9 years
8 kW $2.50 $13,994 $31,418 7.7 years
10 kW $2.45 $17,150 $39,616 7.6 years
12 kW $2.40 $20,168 $47,951 7.4 years
14 kW $2.35 $23,050 $56,423 7.3 years
16 kW $2.30 $25,794 $65,032 7.1 years
18 kW $2.25 $28,400 $73,778 6.9 years
20 kW $2.21 $30,870 $82,662 6.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tuskegee?

The average cost of solar panels in Tuskegee is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Tuskegee?

You can't get solar panels for free in Tuskegee. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 solar panels."

How long do solar panels last in Tuskegee?

On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.

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