Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Melbourne, FL (2024 Update)
- West Melbourne Solar Installation Cost: $11,321
- 25-Year Savings: $21,008
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Melbourne
We break down average solar pricing in West Melbourne.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Melbourne, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $11,321 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in West Melbourne based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in West Melbourne can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in West Melbourne, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Melbourne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,200 |
| 5 years | $-4,453 |
| 7 years | $-1,706 |
| 9 years | $1,041 |
| 11 years | $3,789 |
| 13 years | $6,536 |
| 15 years | $9,283 |
| 17 years | $12,030 |
| 19 years | $14,778 |
| 21 years | $17,525 |
| 23 years | $20,272 |
| 25 years | $23,019 |
Top Solar Installers in West Melbourne
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Melbourne:
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 West Melbourne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Melbourne
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Melbourne: 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 a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher 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 panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Melbourne, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $21,622 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,189 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $36,935 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $44,862 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $52,968 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $61,254 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $69,719 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $78,365 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in West Melbourne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 West Melbourne, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Melbourne?
The average cost of solar panels in West Melbourne 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Melbourne?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Melbourne?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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.