Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Myers Shores, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Myers Shores Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Myers Shores
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fort Myers Shores.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Myers Shores, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $12,004 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fort Myers Shores can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fort Myers Shores that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Myers Shores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,630 |
| 3 years | $-7,883 |
| 5 years | $-5,136 |
| 7 years | $-2,388 |
| 9 years | $359 |
| 11 years | $3,106 |
| 13 years | $5,853 |
| 15 years | $8,601 |
| 17 years | $11,348 |
| 19 years | $14,095 |
| 21 years | $16,842 |
| 23 years | $19,589 |
| 25 years | $22,337 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Myers Shores
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Myers Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Myers Shores
For many Fort Myers Shores homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Myers Shores, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fort Myers Shores homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Myers Shores is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $18,280 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,733 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,366 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,178 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,170 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,342 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,694 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,225 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Long-running 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Myers Shores, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Myers Shores?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Myers Shores is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fort Myers Shores, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.