Solar Panel Cost Guide in Golden Gate, FL (2024 Update)
- Golden Gate Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
- 25-Year Savings: $19,776
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Golden Gate
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Golden Gate.
In Golden Gate, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $11,905 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Golden Gate depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Golden Gate homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives 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 Golden Gate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,531 |
| 3 years | $-7,784 |
| 5 years | $-5,037 |
| 7 years | $-2,289 |
| 9 years | $458 |
| 11 years | $3,205 |
| 13 years | $5,952 |
| 15 years | $8,700 |
| 17 years | $11,447 |
| 19 years | $14,194 |
| 21 years | $16,941 |
| 23 years | $19,688 |
| 25 years | $22,436 |
Top Solar Installers in Golden Gate
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Golden Gate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Golden Gate
There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Golden Gate, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Golden Gate to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Golden Gate 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
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Golden Gate, 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $19,000 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,693 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,566 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,619 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,851 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,263 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,855 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,626 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Golden Gate, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Golden Gate?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Golden Gate?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.