Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Apopka, FL (2024 Update)
- South Apopka Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $21,909
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Apopka
We break down average solar pricing in South Apopka.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Apopka, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Apopka is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,301 for a solar installation, or $17,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average South Apopka homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Apopka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,526 |
| 3 years | $-6,977 |
| 5 years | $-3,427 |
| 7 years | $122 |
| 9 years | $3,672 |
| 11 years | $7,222 |
| 13 years | $10,771 |
| 15 years | $14,321 |
| 17 years | $17,870 |
| 19 years | $21,420 |
| 21 years | $24,969 |
| 23 years | $28,519 |
| 25 years | $32,069 |
Top Solar Installers in South Apopka
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in South Apopka, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Apopka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Apopka
For many South Apopka homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Apopka, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in South Apopka, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many South Apopka homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout South Apopka, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $20,617 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,849 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $35,260 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,852 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $50,623 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $58,574 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $66,704 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $75,015 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 South Apopka, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Apopka?
The average cost of solar panels in South Apopka 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 things like 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 bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Apopka is currently $371,616, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,236 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Apopka is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in South Apopka?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.