Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wildwood, FL (2024 Update)
- Wildwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,514
- 25-Year Savings: $23,292
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wildwood
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Wildwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wildwood it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $12,514 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $24,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wildwood find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Wildwood that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wildwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,773 |
| 3 years | $-7,289 |
| 5 years | $-3,806 |
| 7 years | $-323 |
| 9 years | $3,160 |
| 11 years | $6,643 |
| 13 years | $10,127 |
| 15 years | $13,610 |
| 17 years | $17,093 |
| 19 years | $20,576 |
| 21 years | $24,059 |
| 23 years | $27,542 |
| 25 years | $31,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Wildwood
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Wildwood:
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 Wildwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wildwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Wildwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Wildwood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wildwood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wildwood to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Wildwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Wildwood have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $21,698 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,290 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,062 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,014 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,145 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $61,456 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $69,947 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $78,618 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Wildwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Wildwood, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wildwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wildwood?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Wildwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Wildwood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Wildwood?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.