Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cape Coral, FL (2024 Update)

  • Cape Coral Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,299
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cape Coral

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cape Coral.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cape Coral it’s 3 per watt.The average Cape Coral homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,004 with the federal tax credit, or $17,166 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Cape Coral based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cape Coral

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,630
3 years $-7,883
5 years $-5,135
7 years $-2,388
9 years $359
11 years $3,107
13 years $5,854
15 years $8,601
17 years $11,349
19 years $14,096
21 years $16,844
23 years $19,591
25 years $22,338

Top Solar Installers in Cape Coral

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Cape Coral:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Cape Coral

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cape Coral

There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cape Coral, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cape Coral, 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cape Coral to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cape Coral, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $18,280 10.9 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $24,733 10.6 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $31,366 10.4 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $38,178 10.2 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $45,170 10.0 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $52,342 9.8 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $59,694 9.6 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $67,225 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Cape Coral, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cape Coral?

The average cost of solar panels in Cape Coral 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Cape Coral?

Solar panels aren’t free in Cape Coral, 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 can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cape Coral?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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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