Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gateway, FL (2024 Update)
- Gateway Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gateway is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,004 for a solar installation, or $17,166 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gateway homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Gateway homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gateway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,630 |
| 3 years | $-7,883 |
| 5 years | $-5,136 |
| 7 years | $-2,388 |
| 9 years | $359 |
| 11 years | $3,106 |
| 13 years | $5,853 |
| 15 years | $8,601 |
| 17 years | $11,348 |
| 19 years | $14,095 |
| 21 years | $16,842 |
| 23 years | $19,589 |
| 25 years | $22,337 |
Top Solar Installers in Gateway
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Gateway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gateway
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gateway, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gateway to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Gateway, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on 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 | $18,280 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,733 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,366 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,178 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,170 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,342 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,694 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,225 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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 $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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.