Solar Panels Cost 13k-24k in Gulf Shores, AL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $13k-$24k in Gulf Shores, AL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gulf Shores, AL in 2024?

The typical price per watt of solar panel systems in Gulf Shores, AL in October, 2024 is $3.95/W.

This means that, solar panel installations will cost you approximately, on average, $3,950 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. A 5 kW solar panel install in Gulf Shores will generally cost you $13,825 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. To fulfill your energy needs, you could require more than a 5kW system.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes within your area. Find below a full analysis of the {price|costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Gulf Shores: $13,825US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gulf Shores: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Gulf Shores: $15,393US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Gulf Shores

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

Roof size 1,037sq. ft.
Capacity 14.5kW DC
Electricity 18.9kkWh AC per yr.

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

Gulf Shores residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $146.43 per month, with a typical consumption of 1,108 kWh. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also encompassed in the numbers cited in the previous sentence.

The average electricity rate in Gulf Shores, AL in October 2024 is 13.22¢ per kWh.

In Gulf Shores, a typical electricity user's electricity requirements should be fully accounted for by a solar panel system with a production capacity of 9 kW or more. Upfront, a 9 kWsolar system costs around $35,550, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $24,885.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Gulf Shores

On the left side below, the cost breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Gulf Shores is displayed. Of course, with a bigger solar system, you will have a larger initial investment, but the rewards are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, displayed in the calculator below and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $146.43 in Gulf Shores. Adjust the $146.43 to fit your average bill payment for more precise outcomes.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $982 a year
Est. Price
$13,825
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,554 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 147 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,904 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,178 a year
Est. Price
$16,590
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,065 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $98
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,484 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,375 a year
Est. Price
$19,355
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $115
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.47 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 205 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,065 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,571 a year
Est. Price
$22,120
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,087 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $131
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.11 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 235 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,646 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,768 a year
Est. Price
$24,885
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,598 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $146
  • Full payback in 14 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

Gulf Shores Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant is designed to assist rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses by covering 80% to 100% of the costs associated with solar or wind turbine installations. If you think you might be in this category, we suggest verifying your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For residential solar installations, the majority of homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. State and local governments offer various programs to promote the switch to solar energy.

Residents of Alabama can access 4 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from a variety of utilities and governmental organizations.

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?

If you're planning to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Gulf Shores. A 5 kW solar system in Gulf Shores, AL might save you an average of $21,318.2 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gulf Shores, AL

In addition to missing out on the aforementioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news coverage has demonstrated that complete reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.

Generally, customers in Gulf Shores face around 3.33 outages. Outages typically last for an average of 265 minutes. Major occurrences like overloaded power grids, tornadoes or planned maintenance can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar energy system, regardless of a backup battery, could lessen the effects of any future power interruptions you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Baldwin County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gulf Shores, AL?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.

Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a variety of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Selecting superior quality materials generally provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Most installers use these types of panels.

Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Sloping terrain, trees, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. By using satellite images, solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs associated with the different wages given by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Companies paying more to their employees typically get higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary 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 Gulf Shores?

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.

Gulf Shores, AL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Gulf Shores, AL as of October, 2024 is $3.95/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Gulf Shores, AL, after deducting federal tax credits, is $13,825.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Alabama are offering 4 rebates and incentives at this time. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.

  • Cash payments result in the greatest savings, but numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially advantageous are now available. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Gulf Shores, AL is 8 years, with expected savings of $21,318.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01