Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Walton Beach, FL (2023 Update)
- Fort Walton Beach Solar Installation Cost: $10,288
- 25-Year Savings: $23,663
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Walton Beach
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fort Walton Beach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Walton Beach, the average cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Walton Beach, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,290, or $14,715 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fort Walton Beach homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large initial cost, the average Fort Walton Beach homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Fort Walton Beach, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Walton Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,175 |
| 3 years | $-9,949 |
| 5 years | $-9,723 |
| 7 years | $-9,496 |
| 9 years | $-9,270 |
| 11 years | $-9,044 |
| 13 years | $-8,817 |
| 15 years | $-8,591 |
| 17 years | $-8,365 |
| 19 years | $-8,138 |
| 21 years | $-7,912 |
| 23 years | $-7,686 |
| 25 years | $-7,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Walton Beach
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar 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
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 Walton Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Walton Beach
There are several criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,530. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Walton Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fort Walton Beach, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Walton Beach is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $24,014 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,302 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,732 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $49,304 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $58,017 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $66,872 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $75,868 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $85,006 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 $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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. 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, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.