Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ruskin, FL (2024 Update)
- Ruskin Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $16,622
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ruskin
We break down average solar pricing in Ruskin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ruskin it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ruskin is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,394 for a solar installation, or $17,723 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ruskin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ruskin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,052 |
| 3 years | $-8,370 |
| 5 years | $-5,687 |
| 7 years | $-3,004 |
| 9 years | $-321 |
| 11 years | $2,362 |
| 13 years | $5,045 |
| 15 years | $7,728 |
| 17 years | $10,411 |
| 19 years | $13,094 |
| 21 years | $15,776 |
| 23 years | $18,459 |
| 25 years | $21,142 |
Top Solar Installers in Ruskin
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Ruskin:
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 Ruskin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ruskin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Ruskin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Ruskin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ruskin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ruskin is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Ruskin are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $14,686 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $19,941 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $25,375 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $30,990 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $36,784 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $42,757 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $48,911 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $55,244 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Ruskin, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ruskin?
The average cost of solar panels in Ruskin is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ruskin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ruskin. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $956.90 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.