Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tallahassee, FL (2024 Update)
- Tallahassee Solar Installation Cost: $13,015
- 25-Year Savings: $22,460
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tallahassee
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Tallahassee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tallahassee, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Tallahassee, the average price of going solar will be about $13,015 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Tallahassee depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tallahassee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,473 |
| 3 years | $-8,391 |
| 5 years | $-5,309 |
| 7 years | $-2,227 |
| 9 years | $855 |
| 11 years | $3,937 |
| 13 years | $7,019 |
| 15 years | $10,101 |
| 17 years | $13,184 |
| 19 years | $16,266 |
| 21 years | $19,348 |
| 23 years | $22,430 |
| 25 years | $25,512 |
Top Solar Installers in Tallahassee
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Tallahassee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tallahassee
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tallahassee: 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 size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,210. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tallahassee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tallahassee to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tallahassee, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $19,871 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,854 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,017 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,360 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,882 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $56,584 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $64,466 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $72,528 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence 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 some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer 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 Tallahassee, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tallahassee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tallahassee?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,129.74 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.