Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delray Beach, FL (2023 Update)
- Delray Beach Solar Installation Cost: $9,531
- 25-Year Savings: $19,628
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delray Beach
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Delray Beach.
In Delray Beach, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Because a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Delray Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $9,528 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Delray Beach based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually 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 Delray Beach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Delray Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,434 |
| 3 years | $-9,239 |
| 5 years | $-9,045 |
| 7 years | $-8,850 |
| 9 years | $-8,656 |
| 11 years | $-8,462 |
| 13 years | $-8,267 |
| 15 years | $-8,073 |
| 17 years | $-7,878 |
| 19 years | $-7,684 |
| 21 years | $-7,490 |
| 23 years | $-7,295 |
| 25 years | $-7,101 |
Top Solar Installers in Delray Beach
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Delray Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delray Beach
While the average cost of a solar system in Delray Beach is $9,528, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important 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
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Delray Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delray Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Delray Beach is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Delray Beach?
You can't get solar panels for free in Delray Beach. However, you may still be able to install 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 installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Delray Beach?
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 larger amount 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.