Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlotte Harbor, FL (2024 Update)
- Charlotte Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $11,931
- 25-Year Savings: $19,755
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlotte Harbor
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Charlotte Harbor.
In Charlotte Harbor, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Charlotte Harbor homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,931 with the federal tax credit, or $17,061 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Charlotte Harbor depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Charlotte Harbor find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charlotte Harbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,557 |
| 3 years | $-7,810 |
| 5 years | $-5,063 |
| 7 years | $-2,316 |
| 9 years | $432 |
| 11 years | $3,179 |
| 13 years | $5,926 |
| 15 years | $8,673 |
| 17 years | $11,420 |
| 19 years | $14,168 |
| 21 years | $16,915 |
| 23 years | $19,662 |
| 25 years | $22,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlotte Harbor
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Charlotte Harbor, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Charlotte Harbor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlotte Harbor
There are a number of criteria 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Charlotte Harbor, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Charlotte Harbor, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Charlotte Harbor to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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 opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Charlotte Harbor, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $18,928 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,596 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,445 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,473 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,681 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,069 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,636 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,383 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Charlotte Harbor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Charlotte Harbor, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charlotte Harbor?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlotte Harbor is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Charlotte Harbor?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Charlotte Harbor. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Charlotte Harbor have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Charlotte Harbor?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.