Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, FL (2024 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $12,791
- 25-Year Savings: $22,324
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gainesville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gainesville, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gainesville, the average price of going solar will be about $12,791 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gainesville find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Gainesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,183 |
| 3 years | $-7,967 |
| 5 years | $-4,751 |
| 7 years | $-1,535 |
| 9 years | $1,681 |
| 11 years | $4,897 |
| 13 years | $8,112 |
| 15 years | $11,328 |
| 17 years | $14,544 |
| 19 years | $17,760 |
| 21 years | $20,976 |
| 23 years | $24,192 |
| 25 years | $27,408 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
The cost of installing a solar system in Gainesville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,210 per kilowatt in Gainesville.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Gainesville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gainesville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $20,135 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,206 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,457 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,887 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,497 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,288 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,257 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,407 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Gainesville, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gainesville is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gainesville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gainesville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Gainesville?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.