Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Walton Beach, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Walton Beach Solar Installation Cost: $13,054
- 25-Year Savings: $23,663
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Walton Beach
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Walton Beach.
In Fort Walton Beach, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Fort Walton Beach homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,054 with the federal tax credit, or $18,667 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
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 Walton Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,294 |
| 3 years | $-7,776 |
| 5 years | $-4,257 |
| 7 years | $-739 |
| 9 years | $2,780 |
| 11 years | $6,298 |
| 13 years | $9,817 |
| 15 years | $13,335 |
| 17 years | $16,854 |
| 19 years | $20,372 |
| 21 years | $23,891 |
| 23 years | $27,409 |
| 25 years | $30,928 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Walton Beach
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 Walton Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Walton Beach
There are many factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Fort Walton Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $21,044 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $28,418 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $35,972 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $43,706 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $51,619 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $59,713 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $67,986 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $76,438 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Walton Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Walton Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Walton Beach is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fort Walton Beach?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fort Walton Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,168.84 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Walton Beach?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.