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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Meade typically cost around 3.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.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Fort Meade depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Meade find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Fort Meade:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fort Meade
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Meade
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Meade is $12,358, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,210. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Meade provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Meade, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 type 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid 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: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fort Meade, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Meade?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Meade?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fort Meade, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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 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 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.