Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bithlo, FL (2024 Update)
- Bithlo Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $21,008
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bithlo
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bithlo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bithlo it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bithlo, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,301, or $17,590 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bithlo see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bithlo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,180 |
| 5 years | $-5,433 |
| 7 years | $-2,686 |
| 9 years | $62 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,556 |
| 15 years | $8,303 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $13,798 |
| 21 years | $16,545 |
| 23 years | $19,292 |
| 25 years | $22,039 |
Top Solar Installers in Bithlo
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Bithlo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bithlo
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Bithlo: 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
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bithlo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bithlo provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Bithlo’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,629 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,532 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,614 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,876 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,318 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $55,940 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $63,741 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $71,722 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Bithlo, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bithlo?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bithlo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.