Solar Panel Cost Guide in Destin, FL (2023 Update)
- Destin Solar Installation Cost: $10,290
- 25-Year Savings: $25,549
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Destin
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Destin.
In Destin, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.8-kW system would cost about $10,290 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Destin homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Destin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Destin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,856 |
| 3 years | $-5,989 |
| 5 years | $-3,122 |
| 7 years | $-255 |
| 9 years | $2,612 |
| 11 years | $5,479 |
| 13 years | $8,346 |
| 15 years | $11,213 |
| 17 years | $14,080 |
| 19 years | $16,948 |
| 21 years | $19,815 |
| 23 years | $22,682 |
| 25 years | $25,549 |
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. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 go solar rests on 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Destin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Destin's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $25,963 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,900 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,980 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $53,200 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,563 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $72,067 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,713 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,501 | 6.5 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Destin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.