Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradenton, FL (2024 Update)
- Bradenton Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $20,349
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradenton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bradenton.
In Bradenton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,301 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bradenton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bradenton
| 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 Bradenton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bradenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradenton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bradenton is $12,301, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,210. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bradenton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bradenton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $18,909 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,571 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,413 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,435 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,636 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,018 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,579 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,320 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Bradenton, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradenton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bradenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 long do solar panels last in Bradenton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.