Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ensley, FL (Mar 2023)
- Ensley Solar Installation Cost: $10,307
- 25-Year Savings: $25,442
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ensley
We go over average solar pricing in Ensley.
The average cost of solar panels in Ensley is 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ensley, the average price of going solar will be about $10,307 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Ensley based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Ensley homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Ensley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ensley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,877 |
| 3 years | $-6,017 |
| 5 years | $-3,157 |
| 7 years | $-297 |
| 9 years | $2,563 |
| 11 years | $5,423 |
| 13 years | $8,283 |
| 15 years | $11,142 |
| 17 years | $14,002 |
| 19 years | $16,862 |
| 21 years | $19,722 |
| 23 years | $22,582 |
| 25 years | $25,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Ensley
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Ensley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ensley
For many Ensley 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 Ensley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Ensley, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type 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 come at a higher price. 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ensley to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ensley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $25,819 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,709 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,741 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $52,914 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,229 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $71,685 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,283 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,023 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Ensley, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ensley?
The average cost of solar panels in Ensley is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.