Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Petersburg, FL (2024 Update)
- St. Petersburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,854
- 25-Year Savings: $25,783
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Petersburg
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in St. Petersburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Petersburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in St. Petersburg is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,854 for a solar installation, or $16,951 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Petersburg homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in St. Petersburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Petersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,079 |
| 3 years | $-6,529 |
| 5 years | $-2,980 |
| 7 years | $570 |
| 9 years | $4,119 |
| 11 years | $7,669 |
| 13 years | $11,218 |
| 15 years | $14,768 |
| 17 years | $18,318 |
| 19 years | $21,867 |
| 21 years | $25,417 |
| 23 years | $28,966 |
| 25 years | $32,516 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Petersburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 St. Petersburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Petersburg
While the average cost of a solar system in St. Petersburg is $11,854, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,210. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Petersburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. Petersburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $25,929 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $34,932 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $44,114 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $53,476 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $63,018 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $72,740 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $82,641 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $92,722 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 St. Petersburg, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Petersburg?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Petersburg 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Petersburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Petersburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Petersburg?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.