Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Pierce, FL (Mar 2023)
- Fort Pierce Solar Installation Cost: $9,298
- 25-Year Savings: $20,616
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Pierce
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Pierce.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Pierce, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fort Pierce is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,298 for a solar installation, or $13,296 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Fort Pierce homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free 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 Pierce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,101 |
| 3 years | $-5,708 |
| 5 years | $-3,315 |
| 7 years | $-922 |
| 9 years | $1,471 |
| 11 years | $3,864 |
| 13 years | $6,257 |
| 15 years | $8,650 |
| 17 years | $11,044 |
| 19 years | $13,437 |
| 21 years | $15,830 |
| 23 years | $18,223 |
| 25 years | $20,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Pierce
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Pierce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Pierce
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Pierce is $9,298, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Pierce offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fort Pierce, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $23,135 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,129 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $39,266 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $47,544 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $55,964 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $64,526 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $73,229 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $82,074 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fort Pierce, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Pierce, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Pierce?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Pierce?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Pierce?
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 higher amount 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.