Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cocoa West, FL (2024 Update)
- Cocoa West Solar Installation Cost: $11,321
- 25-Year Savings: $21,265
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cocoa West
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cocoa West.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cocoa West it’s 3 per watt.The average Cocoa West homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,321 with the federal tax credit, or $16,189 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, 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 Cocoa West can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Cocoa West for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cocoa West
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,200 |
| 5 years | $-4,453 |
| 7 years | $-1,706 |
| 9 years | $1,041 |
| 11 years | $3,789 |
| 13 years | $6,536 |
| 15 years | $9,283 |
| 17 years | $12,030 |
| 19 years | $14,778 |
| 21 years | $17,525 |
| 23 years | $20,272 |
| 25 years | $23,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Cocoa West
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Cocoa West
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cocoa West
The cost of installing a solar system in Cocoa West 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cocoa West, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Cocoa West’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $21,928 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,597 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,446 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,475 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,683 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $62,071 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $70,639 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $79,386 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options 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 Cocoa West, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cocoa West?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cocoa West?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,198.32 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Cocoa West?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.