Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fernandina Beach, FL (2023 Update)

  • Fernandina Beach Solar Installation Cost: $9,977
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,688
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fernandina Beach

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fernandina Beach.

In Fernandina Beach, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fernandina Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $9,971 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fernandina Beach homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fernandina Beach for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fernandina Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,868
3 years $-9,650
5 years $-9,432
7 years $-9,215
9 years $-8,997
11 years $-8,779
13 years $-8,561
15 years $-8,344
17 years $-8,126
19 years $-7,908
21 years $-7,690
23 years $-7,473
25 years $-7,255

Top Solar Installers in Fernandina Beach

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fernandina Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fernandina Beach

There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,530 per kilowatt in Fernandina Beach. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fernandina Beach average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fernandina Beach homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Fernandina Beach, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $23,739 7.9 years
8 kW $2.58 $14,451 $31,935 7.8 years
10 kW $2.53 $17,710 $40,273 7.6 years
12 kW $2.48 $20,827 $48,753 7.5 years
14 kW $2.43 $23,802 $57,374 7.3 years
16 kW $2.38 $26,636 $66,137 7.2 years
18 kW $2.33 $29,328 $75,042 7.0 years
20 kW $2.28 $31,878 $84,089 6.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Fernandina Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Fernandina Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fernandina Beach?

The average cost of solar panels in Fernandina Beach 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Fernandina Beach?

Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Fernandina Beach?

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 larger 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.

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