Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburndale, FL (2024 Update)
- Auburndale Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
- 25-Year Savings: $18,384
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburndale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Auburndale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Auburndale, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Auburndale, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,358, or $17,672 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Auburndale can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburndale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,808 |
| 3 years | $-7,708 |
| 5 years | $-4,608 |
| 7 years | $-1,508 |
| 9 years | $1,592 |
| 11 years | $4,693 |
| 13 years | $7,793 |
| 15 years | $10,893 |
| 17 years | $13,993 |
| 19 years | $17,093 |
| 21 years | $20,193 |
| 23 years | $23,293 |
| 25 years | $26,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburndale
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Auburndale, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Auburndale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburndale
For many Auburndale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburndale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Auburndale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Auburndale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Auburndale, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.34 | $14,021 | $16,660 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $22,573 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $28,665 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $34,938 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $41,390 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $48,022 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $54,833 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $61,825 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Auburndale, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburndale?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburndale is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Auburndale?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Auburndale, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.