Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surfside, FL (2024 Update)
- Surfside Solar Installation Cost: $12,068
- 25-Year Savings: $19,647
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Surfside
We break down average solar pricing in Surfside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Surfside it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Surfside, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,068, or $17,257 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Surfside homeowner. The cost 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, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Surfside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Surfside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,695 |
| 3 years | $-7,947 |
| 5 years | $-5,200 |
| 7 years | $-2,453 |
| 9 years | $294 |
| 11 years | $3,042 |
| 13 years | $5,789 |
| 15 years | $8,536 |
| 17 years | $11,283 |
| 19 years | $14,031 |
| 21 years | $16,778 |
| 23 years | $19,525 |
| 25 years | $22,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Surfside
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Surfside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Surfside
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Surfside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Surfside, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Surfside to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Surfside, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $18,553 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,097 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,821 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,724 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,808 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,071 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,513 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,136 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Surfside, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Surfside?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Surfside?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Surfside. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Surfside have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.