Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruit Cove, FL (2023 Update)

  • Fruit Cove Solar Installation Cost: $9,599
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,850
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruit Cove

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fruit Cove.

The average cost of solar panels in Fruit Cove is 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fruit Cove, the average price of going solar will be about $9,599 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Fruit Cove homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Fruit Cove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,421
3 years $-6,065
5 years $-3,709
7 years $-1,353
9 years $1,003
11 years $3,359
13 years $5,715
15 years $8,071
17 years $10,427
19 years $12,783
21 years $15,139
23 years $17,494
25 years $19,850

Top Solar Installers in Fruit Cove

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fruit Cove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruit Cove

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fruit Cove: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fruit Cove homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fruit Cove homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fruit Cove, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a 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 $2.63 $11,051 $21,544 8.5 years
8 kW $2.58 $14,451 $29,009 8.3 years
10 kW $2.53 $17,710 $36,615 8.1 years
12 kW $2.48 $20,827 $44,364 8.0 years
14 kW $2.43 $23,802 $52,253 7.8 years
16 kW $2.38 $26,636 $60,285 7.7 years
18 kW $2.33 $29,328 $68,458 7.5 years
20 kW $2.28 $31,878 $76,773 7.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Fruit Cove, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fruit Cove?

The average cost of solar panels in Fruit Cove is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fruit Cove?

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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fruit Cove, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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