Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Myers, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Myers Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
- 25-Year Savings: $19,386
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Myers
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Fort Myers.
In Fort Myers, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Myers, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,004, or $17,166 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Fort Myers depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Myers find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Fort Myers, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Myers
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,630 |
| 3 years | $-7,883 |
| 5 years | $-5,136 |
| 7 years | $-2,388 |
| 9 years | $359 |
| 11 years | $3,106 |
| 13 years | $5,853 |
| 15 years | $8,601 |
| 17 years | $11,348 |
| 19 years | $14,095 |
| 21 years | $16,842 |
| 23 years | $19,589 |
| 25 years | $22,337 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Myers
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Fort Myers:
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 Fort Myers
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Myers
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fort Myers: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,210. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Myers offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fort Myers, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fort Myers are more knowledgeable 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 | $18,377 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,863 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,528 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,373 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,397 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,602 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,986 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,550 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high 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 Fort Myers, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Myers?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Myers 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Myers?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Myers is currently $372,466, so you can expect a value of about $15,271 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Myers is a fruitful investment.
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 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.