Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitfield, FL (2024 Update)
- Whitfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $19,464
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitfield
We break down average solar pricing in Whitfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitfield it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Whitfield, the average price of going solar will be about $12,301 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Whitfield homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Whitfield for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Whitfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,180 |
| 5 years | $-5,432 |
| 7 years | $-2,685 |
| 9 years | $62 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,556 |
| 15 years | $8,304 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $13,798 |
| 21 years | $16,545 |
| 23 years | $19,293 |
| 25 years | $22,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitfield
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Whitfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Whitfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 around $3,210 per kilowatt in Whitfield.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Whitfield, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Whitfield to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Whitfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,938 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,277 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $30,795 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $37,493 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $44,371 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $51,429 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $58,667 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $66,084 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Whitfield, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whitfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitfield 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,065.30 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 how much 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 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.