Solar Panel Cost Guide in Doral, FL (2023 Update)
- Doral Solar Installation Cost: $9,498
- 25-Year Savings: $19,661
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Doral
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Doral.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Doral generally cost around 2.53. The average Doral homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,493 with the federal tax credit, or $13,575 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Doral depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Doral homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Doral, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Doral
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,400 |
| 3 years | $-9,206 |
| 5 years | $-9,012 |
| 7 years | $-8,817 |
| 9 years | $-8,623 |
| 11 years | $-8,428 |
| 13 years | $-8,234 |
| 15 years | $-8,040 |
| 17 years | $-7,845 |
| 19 years | $-7,651 |
| 21 years | $-7,456 |
| 23 years | $-7,262 |
| 25 years | $-7,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Doral
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Doral
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Doral
Although the average cost of a solar system in Doral is $9,493, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,530. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Doral, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Doral to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,572 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,046 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,662 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,419 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,318 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,359 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,541 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,866 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Doral, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Doral?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Doral?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Doral have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.