Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Breeze, FL (Mar 2023)
- Gulf Breeze Solar Installation Cost: $10,290
- 25-Year Savings: $23,662
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Breeze
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Gulf Breeze.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gulf Breeze, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gulf Breeze, the average price of going solar will be about $10,290 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Gulf Breeze homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gulf Breeze
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,931 |
| 3 years | $-6,215 |
| 5 years | $-3,499 |
| 7 years | $-783 |
| 9 years | $1,933 |
| 11 years | $4,649 |
| 13 years | $7,365 |
| 15 years | $10,082 |
| 17 years | $12,798 |
| 19 years | $15,514 |
| 21 years | $18,230 |
| 23 years | $20,946 |
| 25 years | $23,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Gulf Breeze
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Gulf Breeze, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Gulf Breeze
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gulf Breeze
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Gulf Breeze is $10,290, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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 $2,530. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,027 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,319 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,753 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $49,329 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $58,047 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $66,906 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $75,907 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $85,049 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Gulf Breeze, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gulf Breeze?
The average cost of solar panels in Gulf Breeze 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gulf Breeze?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,169.27 per year.
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 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.