Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longwood, FL (2024 Update)
- Longwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $20,850
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longwood
We break down average solar pricing in Longwood.
In Longwood, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Longwood is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,566 for a solar installation, or $17,969 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Longwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,891 |
| 3 years | $-7,542 |
| 5 years | $-4,193 |
| 7 years | $-844 |
| 9 years | $2,505 |
| 11 years | $5,854 |
| 13 years | $9,203 |
| 15 years | $12,552 |
| 17 years | $15,901 |
| 19 years | $19,250 |
| 21 years | $22,599 |
| 23 years | $25,948 |
| 25 years | $29,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Longwood
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Longwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longwood
Though the average cost of a solar system in Longwood is $12,566, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,210 per kilowatt in Longwood.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Longwood have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to include 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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Longwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $18,974 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,659 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,523 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,567 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,790 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,194 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,777 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,540 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Longwood, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Longwood?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Longwood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Longwood. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Longwood have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 uses 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 household 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.