Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sarasota Springs, FL (2024 Update)
- Sarasota Springs Solar Installation Cost: $12,178
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sarasota Springs
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Sarasota Springs.
In Sarasota Springs, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Sarasota Springs is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,178 for a solar installation, or $17,415 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sarasota Springs find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sarasota Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,804 |
| 3 years | $-8,057 |
| 5 years | $-5,310 |
| 7 years | $-2,562 |
| 9 years | $185 |
| 11 years | $2,932 |
| 13 years | $5,679 |
| 15 years | $8,427 |
| 17 years | $11,174 |
| 19 years | $13,921 |
| 21 years | $16,668 |
| 23 years | $19,416 |
| 25 years | $22,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Sarasota Springs
Do-it-yourself 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 swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sarasota Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sarasota Springs
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,210 per kilowatt in Sarasota Springs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sarasota Springs, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $18,260 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,707 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,333 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,138 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,124 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,289 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,634 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,159 | 9.4 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Sarasota Springs, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sarasota Springs?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sarasota Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,076.05 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.