Solar Panels Cost 16k-27k in Gadsden, AL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Gadsden, AL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gadsden, AL in 2024?

To get solar installed in October, 2024 in Gadsden, AL averages out to $3.95/W.

You should expect the price to be $3,950, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar system will need to produce. In Gadsden, you can expect to spend about $13,825 for a 5 kW solar panel install once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. However, please keep in mind that a higher capacity system might be needed to satisfy your energy needs.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to access information on the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar on homes within your area. You can review the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Gadsden: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gadsden: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Gadsden: $24,969US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Gadsden

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Gadsden.

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 11kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Gadsden, AL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

With an average consumption of 1,142 kWh per month, Gadsden households pay about $186.33 for electricity. Small living spaces, such as condos and cottages, are also included in the data cited in the previous sentence.

Gadsden, AL's electricity rate is on average 16.32¢ per kWh in October 2024.

To meet all of the energy needs of an average consumer in Gadsden, a solar system of 10 kW or larger is required. At this time, a 10 kW solar panel system will cost you approximately $39,500, but the 30% federal income tax credit reduces the total to $27,650.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Gadsden

On the left side below, there is the pricing details for various sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Gadsden. Naturally, with a larger solar system, you'll see a greater initial expense, but the rewards are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

See a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $186.33 in Gadsden. To get tailored results, simply adjust the $186.33to match your average electricity bill amount.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,450 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 170 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,163 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,692 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $141
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 198 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,690 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,934 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $161
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.94 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,217 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,176 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $181
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 255 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,744 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,417 a year
Est. Price
$27,650
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 15,109 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $186
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 262 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,100 mi less a year

Gadsden Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and farms might have their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.

For those considering residential solar options, a 30% federal income tax credit is broadly available, increasing the appeal and practicality of solar energy in many areas across the nation. Additionally, there are numerous state and local incentives to further promote the adoption of solar energy.

A total of 4 solar rebates and incentives are available in Alabama through various utility companies and government departments.

Local Government Energy Loan Program

Value:Varies

Through its public-private partnership with PowerSouth, Alabama's Local Government Energy Loan Program offers zero-interest loans to governments and educational institutes for improvements involving renewable energy sources. The loans are repayable through savings on utility bills. They may borrow up to $350,000 for eligible projects, while schools may ask for $350,000 pr campus or $500,000 per system. There is a minimum loan of $50,000. An energy audit must be completed to identify improvements and the recipient must be benchmarked using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager program following installation. Details and application are available on the program website.

Local Option- Sales Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Facilities

Value:Varies

In order to encourage renewable energy sources, Alabama allows local governments to provide exemptions and abatement for qualifying renewable energy facilities; the precise governmental body depends on the size of the facility. Facilities may also qualify for a reduced tax rate of 1.5%, although it was only available until 2019. Hydroelectric power is exempted from the definition of renewable energy resource, but most other renewable resources do meet the definition. Note that the local government can impose an additional sales or use tax. The exemption and abatement only apply to the noneducational portion of the sales tax.

Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities

Value:Varies

Alabama provides abatement of property tax for qualifying renewable energy facilities for the noneducational part of the property tax. While most renewable resources are included in the program, hydroelectric power is exempted. The property tax abatement is based on the annual value of the assessed value. The abatement may be given for ten years and extended for another ten years, for a total of twenty years, depending on the permission of the local authority. Interested facilities can apply with the local governmental body. The local authority will perform a cost/benefit analysis to determine the maximum exemption period for the abatement.

AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program

Value:Varies

Alabama SAVES funds subordinated participating interests in qualified third-party loans for financing energy projects of existing Alabama businesses. The participating interest can be 25% of the loan or 100% of the cost of the project, whichever is lower. Before funding can be awarded, the project must undergo an energy assessment and an estimated energy savings impact must be submitted to ensure the loan will be paid back within 10 years. This program was initially capitalized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Program and is offered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Please see the program website for information and program materials.

Are solar panels worth it in Alabama?

For those looking to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Gadsden. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Gadsden, AL will, on average, save you $30,894.2 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gadsden, AL

Failing to install solar panels or an alternative backup energy means missing the savings mentioned earlier and being entirely reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The news has provided several examples highlighting that full reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

On average, customers in Gadsden have encountered 1.12 utility outages per year in recent times. Outages typically last for an average of 110.26 minutes. Major occurrences like overloaded power grids, wildfires or planned maintenance can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could ease the strain of future outages you experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Etowah County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gadsden, AL?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size increases. Setting up a solar panel system that can fully offset the electric bill is advantageous to individuals because of the reduced long-term costs.

Make & Model - Solar panels, similar to many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. The contractor’s preference for brand makes it crucial to choose a recommended company. Consumers who choose better equipment usually enjoy a better long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's no surprise that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels have a higher cost but yield more energy. Most installers in the industry utilize panels made from this material.

Your Property - Trees, uneven landscapes, or other barriers can increase the difficulty of the installation. Nowadays, solar installers typically leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies pay different wages to their employees, and these expenses are inevitably borne by the consumers. It is commonly observed that companies with higher wages garner superior reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be affected by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other AL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Gadsden?

Eagle Solar and Light

Birmingham, AL(205) 202-2208

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Tungsten Electric

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government, TN(615) 491-0206

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Gadsden, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In Gadsden, AL, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in October, 2024 is $3.95/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Gadsden, AL is roughly $13,825.

  • As of now, there are 4 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government entities in Alabama. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying in cash yields the highest savings, but there are multiple financing options available today for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.

  • Yes, homeowners in Gadsden, AL generally see a payback time of 6 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $30,894.2 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01