Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southchase, FL (2024 Update)
- Southchase Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $22,552
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southchase
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Southchase.
In Southchase, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,301 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Southchase homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southchase find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Southchase, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southchase
| 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 Southchase
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Southchase, 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 Southchase
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southchase
Although the average cost of a solar system in Southchase is $12,301, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Southchase, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southchase average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Southchase homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $21,322 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $28,788 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $36,435 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $44,261 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $52,267 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $60,453 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $68,819 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $77,364 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Southchase, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southchase?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Southchase have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Southchase?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.