Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunedin, FL (2024 Update)
- Dunedin Solar Installation Cost: $11,854
- 25-Year Savings: $25,783
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunedin
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Dunedin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunedin it’s 3 per watt.The average Dunedin homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,854 with the federal tax credit, or $16,951 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Dunedin can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Dunedin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dunedin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,079 |
| 3 years | $-6,529 |
| 5 years | $-2,980 |
| 7 years | $570 |
| 9 years | $4,119 |
| 11 years | $7,669 |
| 13 years | $11,218 |
| 15 years | $14,768 |
| 17 years | $18,318 |
| 19 years | $21,867 |
| 21 years | $25,417 |
| 23 years | $28,966 |
| 25 years | $32,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunedin
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
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 near you:
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 Dunedin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunedin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Dunedin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dunedin to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dunedin homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dunedin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dunedin have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $25,929 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $34,932 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $44,114 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $53,476 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $63,018 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $72,740 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $82,641 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $92,722 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Dunedin, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunedin?
The average cost of solar panels in Dunedin 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 use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dunedin?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Dunedin?
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 larger 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.