Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Bradenton, FL (2024 Update)
- South Bradenton Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $19,464
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Bradenton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Bradenton.
The average cost of a solar system in South Bradenton is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Bradenton 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 going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in South Bradenton can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Bradenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,180 |
| 5 years | $-5,432 |
| 7 years | $-2,685 |
| 9 years | $62 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,556 |
| 15 years | $8,304 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $13,798 |
| 21 years | $16,545 |
| 23 years | $19,293 |
| 25 years | $22,040 |
Top Solar Installers in South Bradenton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in South Bradenton, 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 Bradenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Bradenton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in South Bradenton is $12,301, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Bradenton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in South Bradenton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in South Bradenton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $17,938 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,277 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $30,795 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $37,493 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $44,371 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $51,429 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $58,667 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $66,084 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Bradenton, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Bradenton?
The average cost of solar panels in South Bradenton 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Bradenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.