Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valparaiso, FL (2024 Update)
- Valparaiso Solar Installation Cost: $13,054
- 25-Year Savings: $22,720
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valparaiso
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Valparaiso.
In Valparaiso, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Valparaiso, the average price of going solar will be about $13,054 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Valparaiso depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Valparaiso homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Valparaiso
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,294 |
| 3 years | $-7,776 |
| 5 years | $-4,257 |
| 7 years | $-739 |
| 9 years | $2,780 |
| 11 years | $6,298 |
| 13 years | $9,817 |
| 15 years | $13,335 |
| 17 years | $16,854 |
| 19 years | $20,372 |
| 21 years | $23,891 |
| 23 years | $27,409 |
| 25 years | $30,928 |
Top Solar Installers in Valparaiso
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Valparaiso
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valparaiso
The cost of installing a solar system in Valparaiso can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Valparaiso have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that 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 solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Valparaiso, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,070 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,119 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,349 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,758 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,346 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,115 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,063 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,191 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Valparaiso, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valparaiso?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Valparaiso?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.