Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westchase, FL (2024 Update)
- Westchase Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $20,910
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westchase
We go over average solar pricing in Westchase.
The average cost of solar panels in Westchase is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,394 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Westchase depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westchase find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westchase
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,619 |
| 3 years | $-7,070 |
| 5 years | $-3,520 |
| 7 years | $30 |
| 9 years | $3,579 |
| 11 years | $7,129 |
| 13 years | $10,678 |
| 15 years | $14,228 |
| 17 years | $17,777 |
| 19 years | $21,327 |
| 21 years | $24,877 |
| 23 years | $28,426 |
| 25 years | $31,976 |
Top Solar Installers in Westchase
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Westchase
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westchase
For many Westchase homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westchase, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,210 per kilowatt in Westchase.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westchase to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Westchase, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $19,351 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,160 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,150 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,319 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,668 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $55,197 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $62,905 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $70,794 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Westchase, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westchase?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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.