Solar Panel Cost Guide in Doral, FL (2024 Update)
- Doral Solar Installation Cost: $12,050
- 25-Year Savings: $19,661
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Doral
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Doral.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Doral it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Doral is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,050 for a solar installation, or $17,232 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Doral can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Doral, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Doral
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,677 |
| 3 years | $-7,929 |
| 5 years | $-5,182 |
| 7 years | $-2,435 |
| 9 years | $312 |
| 11 years | $3,060 |
| 13 years | $5,807 |
| 15 years | $8,554 |
| 17 years | $11,301 |
| 19 years | $14,049 |
| 21 years | $16,796 |
| 23 years | $19,543 |
| 25 years | $22,290 |
Top Solar Installers in Doral
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional 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 Doral
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Doral
There are a number of criteria that can influence 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Doral, 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 electricity 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Doral, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Doral, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Doral is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $18,602 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,162 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,902 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,821 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,921 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,200 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,659 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,298 | 9.3 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 find 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 fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- 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: Long-standing 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Doral, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Doral?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Doral?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Doral is currently $526,011, which means you can expect a value of about $21,566 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Doral is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.