Solar Panel Cost Guide in Destin, FL (2024 Update)
- Destin Solar Installation Cost: $13,054
- 25-Year Savings: $25,550
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Destin
We break down average solar pricing in Destin.
In Destin, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Destin is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,054 for a solar installation, or $18,667 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying 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 solid investment. The average homeowner in Destin can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Destin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,294 |
| 3 years | $-7,776 |
| 5 years | $-4,257 |
| 7 years | $-739 |
| 9 years | $2,780 |
| 11 years | $6,298 |
| 13 years | $9,817 |
| 15 years | $13,335 |
| 17 years | $16,854 |
| 19 years | $20,372 |
| 21 years | $23,891 |
| 23 years | $27,409 |
| 25 years | $30,928 |
Top Solar Installers in Destin
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Destin, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Destin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Destin
For many Destin homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Destin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Destin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Destin is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $22,992 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $31,016 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $39,220 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $47,603 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $56,166 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $64,908 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $73,831 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $82,933 | 8.2 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Destin, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Destin?
The average cost of solar panels in Destin is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Destin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Destin?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.