Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fern Park, FL (2024 Update)
- Fern Park Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $20,951
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fern Park
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fern Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fern Park it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $12,566 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fern Park homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fern Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,791 |
| 3 years | $-7,241 |
| 5 years | $-3,692 |
| 7 years | $-142 |
| 9 years | $3,407 |
| 11 years | $6,957 |
| 13 years | $10,506 |
| 15 years | $14,056 |
| 17 years | $17,606 |
| 19 years | $21,155 |
| 21 years | $24,705 |
| 23 years | $28,254 |
| 25 years | $31,804 |
Top Solar Installers in Fern Park
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fern Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fern Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Fern Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,210 per kilowatt in Fern Park.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fern Park to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Fern Park’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $19,083 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,803 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,704 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,784 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,044 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,483 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $62,102 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,902 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Fern Park, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fern Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Fern Park 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fern Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,103.48 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Fern Park?
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 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.