Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Meade, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Meade Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
- 25-Year Savings: $19,863
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Meade
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Meade.
In Fort Meade, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Fort Meade is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,358 for a solar installation, or $17,672 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Meade homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Meade find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Meade
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,583 |
| 3 years | $-7,034 |
| 5 years | $-3,484 |
| 7 years | $65 |
| 9 years | $3,615 |
| 11 years | $7,164 |
| 13 years | $10,714 |
| 15 years | $14,264 |
| 17 years | $17,813 |
| 19 years | $21,363 |
| 21 years | $24,912 |
| 23 years | $28,462 |
| 25 years | $32,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Meade
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fort Meade:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fort Meade
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Meade
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $3,210 per kilowatt in Fort Meade.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Meade, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Fort Meade’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $18,274 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,725 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,355 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,166 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,156 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,325 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,675 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,204 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fort Meade, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Meade?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Meade is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Meade?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Meade. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,076.50 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.