Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, FL (2024 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $12,014
- 25-Year Savings: $22,326
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Sweetwater.
The average cost of a solar system in Sweetwater is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $12,014 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Sweetwater homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,641 |
| 3 years | $-7,894 |
| 5 years | $-5,146 |
| 7 years | $-2,399 |
| 9 years | $348 |
| 11 years | $3,095 |
| 13 years | $5,843 |
| 15 years | $8,590 |
| 17 years | $11,337 |
| 19 years | $14,084 |
| 21 years | $16,832 |
| 23 years | $19,579 |
| 25 years | $22,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sweetwater:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Sweetwater, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sweetwater, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sweetwater, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $18,699 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,291 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,063 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,015 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,147 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,459 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,950 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,621 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Sweetwater, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Sweetwater, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sweetwater?
This is a difficult 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sweetwater is currently $417,434, so you can look forward to a value of about $17,115 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sweetwater is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.