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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Destin
We break down average solar pricing in Destin.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Destin is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Destin, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,054, or $18,667 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember 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 choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Destin can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Destin:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Destin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Destin
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Destin is $13,054, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Destin to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor 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
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Destin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Destin have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Destin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Destin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Destin?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.