Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Myers, FL (2023 Update)
- Fort Myers Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $19,386
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Myers
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fort Myers.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Myers it's 2.53 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $9,457 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Fort Myers depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fort Myers can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Fort Myers for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fort Myers
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,365 |
| 3 years | $-9,172 |
| 5 years | $-8,980 |
| 7 years | $-8,788 |
| 9 years | $-8,595 |
| 11 years | $-8,403 |
| 13 years | $-8,211 |
| 15 years | $-8,019 |
| 17 years | $-7,826 |
| 19 years | $-7,634 |
| 21 years | $-7,442 |
| 23 years | $-7,249 |
| 25 years | $-7,057 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Myers
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Myers
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Myers
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fort Myers: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Fort Myers, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fort Myers, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fort Myers homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Fort Myers are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $21,348 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,747 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,288 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,971 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,795 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,761 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,868 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,118 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total 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, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It's important to read through 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Myers, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Myers?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Myers?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fort Myers?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Myers?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.