Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gateway, FL (2023 Update)
- Gateway Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gateway
We break down average solar pricing in Gateway.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gateway it's 2.53 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $9,457 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gateway see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gateway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,365 |
| 3 years | $-9,173 |
| 5 years | $-8,982 |
| 7 years | $-8,790 |
| 9 years | $-8,598 |
| 11 years | $-8,406 |
| 13 years | $-8,215 |
| 15 years | $-8,023 |
| 17 years | $-7,831 |
| 19 years | $-7,639 |
| 21 years | $-7,448 |
| 23 years | $-7,256 |
| 25 years | $-7,064 |
Top Solar Installers in Gateway
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gateway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gateway
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Gateway: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gateway, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Gateway, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $21,250 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,617 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,126 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,776 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,568 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,501 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,576 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $75,793 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Gateway, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gateway?
The average cost of solar panels in Gateway 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Gateway?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Gateway?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.