Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bartow, FL (2024 Update)
- Bartow Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
- 25-Year Savings: $28,941
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bartow
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Bartow.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bartow, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bartow, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $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 will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bartow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,706 |
| 3 years | $-7,402 |
| 5 years | $-4,098 |
| 7 years | $-795 |
| 9 years | $2,509 |
| 11 years | $5,813 |
| 13 years | $9,117 |
| 15 years | $12,421 |
| 17 years | $15,725 |
| 19 years | $19,029 |
| 21 years | $22,333 |
| 23 years | $25,637 |
| 25 years | $28,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Bartow
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer 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 Bartow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bartow
For many Bartow homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bartow, 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Bartow, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bartow, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bartow are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,956 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $22,968 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $29,159 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $35,530 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $42,081 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $48,812 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $55,722 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $62,812 | 9.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Bartow, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bartow?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bartow, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.