Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delray Beach, FL (2024 Update)

  • Delray Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,093
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,628
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delray Beach

We break down average solar pricing in Delray Beach.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Delray Beach it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Delray Beach, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,093, or $17,293 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Delray Beach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Delray Beach can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company 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 $-10,719
3 years $-7,972
5 years $-5,224
7 years $-2,477
9 years $270
11 years $3,017
13 years $5,765
15 years $8,512
17 years $11,259
19 years $14,006
21 years $16,753
23 years $19,501
25 years $22,248

Top Solar Installers in Delray Beach

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Delray Beach:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Delray Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Delray Beach, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Delray Beach, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Delray Beach know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $18,488 10.8 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $25,010 10.6 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $31,711 10.4 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $38,593 10.2 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $45,654 10.0 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $52,895 9.7 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $60,316 9.5 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $67,917 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delray Beach?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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 less efficient solar panels.

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 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Delray Beach?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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