Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westgate, FL (2024 Update)
- Westgate Solar Installation Cost: $12,093
- 25-Year Savings: $19,628
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westgate
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Westgate.
In Westgate, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Westgate is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,093 for a solar installation, or $17,293 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westgate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,719 |
| 3 years | $-7,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,224 |
| 7 years | $-2,477 |
| 9 years | $270 |
| 11 years | $3,017 |
| 13 years | $5,765 |
| 15 years | $8,512 |
| 17 years | $11,259 |
| 19 years | $14,006 |
| 21 years | $16,753 |
| 23 years | $19,501 |
| 25 years | $22,248 |
Top Solar Installers in Westgate
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Westgate, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westgate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westgate
Though the average cost of a solar system in Westgate is $12,093, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westgate, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Westgate homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $18,488 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,010 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,711 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,593 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,654 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,895 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,316 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,917 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Westgate, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westgate?
The average cost of solar panels in Westgate is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westgate?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westgate, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Westgate?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.