Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plant City, FL (2024 Update)
- Plant City Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $16,262
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plant City
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Plant City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plant City it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,394 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Plant City can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Plant City for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Plant City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,069 |
| 3 years | $-8,418 |
| 5 years | $-5,767 |
| 7 years | $-3,116 |
| 9 years | $-466 |
| 11 years | $2,185 |
| 13 years | $4,836 |
| 15 years | $7,486 |
| 17 years | $10,137 |
| 19 years | $12,788 |
| 21 years | $15,439 |
| 23 years | $18,089 |
| 25 years | $20,740 |
Top Solar Installers in Plant City
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed 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 Plant City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plant City
For many Plant City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plant City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,210. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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 Plant City 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 substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plant City is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,294 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $19,418 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $24,722 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $30,206 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $35,870 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $41,713 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $47,736 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $53,939 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Plant City, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plant City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Plant City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Plant City have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Plant City?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.