Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Pierce, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Pierce Solar Installation Cost: $11,797
- 25-Year Savings: $20,616
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Pierce
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fort Pierce.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Pierce it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Pierce, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,797, or $16,870 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Pierce find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Pierce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,412 |
| 3 years | $-7,641 |
| 5 years | $-4,871 |
| 7 years | $-2,100 |
| 9 years | $671 |
| 11 years | $3,441 |
| 13 years | $6,212 |
| 15 years | $8,983 |
| 17 years | $11,753 |
| 19 years | $14,524 |
| 21 years | $17,295 |
| 23 years | $20,065 |
| 25 years | $22,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Pierce
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Fort Pierce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Pierce
While the average cost of a solar system in Fort Pierce is $11,797, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fort Pierce, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Pierce, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Pierce, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $20,164 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,245 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,506 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,946 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,567 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,367 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,346 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,506 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Pierce, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Pierce?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Pierce 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.