Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Pierce South, FL (2023 Update)
- Fort Pierce South Solar Installation Cost: $9,298
- 25-Year Savings: $20,767
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Pierce South
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Pierce South.
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Pierce South is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Pierce South, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,298, or $13,296 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Fort Pierce South homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fort Pierce South
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,095 |
| 3 years | $-5,690 |
| 5 years | $-3,285 |
| 7 years | $-880 |
| 9 years | $1,526 |
| 11 years | $3,931 |
| 13 years | $6,336 |
| 15 years | $8,741 |
| 17 years | $11,146 |
| 19 years | $13,551 |
| 21 years | $15,957 |
| 23 years | $18,362 |
| 25 years | $20,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Pierce South
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pierce South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Pierce South
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fort Pierce South: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,530. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 South have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Pierce South is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Fort Pierce South are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $23,307 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,359 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $39,554 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $47,889 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $56,367 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $64,986 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $73,747 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $82,649 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Pierce South, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Pierce South?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Pierce South is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Pierce South?
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 savings from going solar.
Does Fort Pierce South have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.