Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cocoa West, FL (2024 Update)
- Cocoa West Solar Installation Cost: $11,321
- 25-Year Savings: $21,265
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cocoa West
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cocoa West.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cocoa West it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cocoa West, the average price of going solar will be about $11,321 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Cocoa West depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Cocoa West homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cocoa West
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,200 |
| 5 years | $-4,453 |
| 7 years | $-1,706 |
| 9 years | $1,041 |
| 11 years | $3,789 |
| 13 years | $6,536 |
| 15 years | $9,283 |
| 17 years | $12,030 |
| 19 years | $14,778 |
| 21 years | $17,525 |
| 23 years | $20,272 |
| 25 years | $23,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Cocoa West
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Cocoa West
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cocoa West
There are several criteria that can determine your total 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cocoa West homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cocoa West homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Cocoa West’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $21,928 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,597 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,446 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,475 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,683 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $62,071 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $70,639 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $79,386 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Cocoa West, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cocoa West?
The average cost of solar panels in Cocoa West 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cocoa West?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cocoa West, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 goes down 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.