Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Sarasota, FL (2024 Update)
- South Sarasota 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 South Sarasota
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in South Sarasota.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Sarasota it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in South Sarasota, the average price of going solar will be about $12,178 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Sarasota
| 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 South Sarasota
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in South Sarasota:
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 Sarasota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Sarasota
For many South Sarasota homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Sarasota, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Sarasota average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Sarasota is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Sarasota, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Sarasota?
The average cost of solar panels in South Sarasota 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does South Sarasota have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 South Sarasota?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.