Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belle Glade, FL (Mar 2023)
- Belle Glade Solar Installation Cost: $9,528
- 25-Year Savings: $19,631
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belle Glade
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Belle Glade.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Belle Glade is 2.53 per watt. The average Belle Glade homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,528 with the federal tax credit, or $13,625 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Belle Glade find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belle Glade
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,362 |
| 3 years | $-6,029 |
| 5 years | $-3,696 |
| 7 years | $-1,364 |
| 9 years | $969 |
| 11 years | $3,302 |
| 13 years | $5,635 |
| 15 years | $7,967 |
| 17 years | $10,300 |
| 19 years | $12,633 |
| 21 years | $14,965 |
| 23 years | $17,298 |
| 25 years | $19,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Belle Glade
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Belle Glade
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belle Glade
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Belle Glade: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Belle Glade, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Belle Glade, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Belle Glade homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Belle Glade, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,458 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,894 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,471 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,191 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,052 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,054 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,199 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,485 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Belle Glade, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belle Glade?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Belle Glade?
You can't get solar panels for free in Belle Glade. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.