Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Cloud, FL (2024 Update)

  • St. Cloud Solar Installation Cost: $12,187
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,957
  • Payback Period: 9.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Cloud

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Cloud.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Cloud, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average St. Cloud homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,187 with the federal tax credit, or $17,427 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average St. Cloud homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

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 St. Cloud

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,479
3 years $-7,063
5 years $-3,647
7 years $-232
9 years $3,184
11 years $6,600
13 years $10,016
15 years $13,432
17 years $16,848
19 years $20,263
21 years $23,679
23 years $27,095
25 years $30,511

Top Solar Installers in St. Cloud

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Solar companies 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 St. Cloud, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 St. Cloud

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Cloud

The cost of installing a solar system in St. Cloud can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need 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 and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in St. Cloud offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Cloud is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $20,894 10.0 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $28,218 9.8 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $35,722 9.7 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $43,406 9.5 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $51,270 9.3 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $59,313 9.1 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $67,536 8.9 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $75,939 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's St. Cloud, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Cloud?

The average cost of solar panels in St. Cloud 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power 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 $1,163.85 per year.

How long do solar panels last in St. Cloud?

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.

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