Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alachua, FL (2024 Update)
- Alachua Solar Installation Cost: $12,791
- 25-Year Savings: $21,513
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alachua
We break down average solar pricing in Alachua.
In Alachua, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Alachua, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,791, or $18,291 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Alachua can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alachua for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alachua
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,149 |
| 3 years | $-7,864 |
| 5 years | $-4,580 |
| 7 years | $-1,296 |
| 9 years | $1,989 |
| 11 years | $5,273 |
| 13 years | $8,557 |
| 15 years | $11,841 |
| 17 years | $15,126 |
| 19 years | $18,410 |
| 21 years | $21,694 |
| 23 years | $24,979 |
| 25 years | $28,263 |
Top Solar Installers in Alachua
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Alachua, we've 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 Alachua
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alachua
For many Alachua homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alachua, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,210. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alachua average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Alachua is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Alachua have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $19,280 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,066 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,032 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,177 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,503 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $55,008 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $62,693 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $70,558 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Alachua, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alachua?
The average cost of solar panels in Alachua 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 stuff 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 Alachua?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Alachua, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
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 $1,110.04 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher 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.