Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gulf Breeze, FL (2024 Update)

  • Gulf Breeze Solar Installation Cost: $13,049
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,667
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gulf Breeze

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gulf Breeze.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gulf Breeze typically cost about 3.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 $13,049 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Gulf Breeze homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Gulf Breeze for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Gulf Breeze

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,290
3 years $-7,771
5 years $-4,253
7 years $-734
9 years $2,784
11 years $6,303
13 years $9,821
15 years $13,340
17 years $16,858
19 years $20,377
21 years $23,895
23 years $27,414
25 years $30,933

Top Solar Installers in Gulf Breeze

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

For many Gulf Breeze homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gulf Breeze, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,210 per kilowatt in Gulf Breeze.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gulf Breeze is the company you hire 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 offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 $21,057 10.0 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $28,435 9.8 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $35,993 9.6 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $43,731 9.4 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $51,649 9.2 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $59,747 9.0 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $68,024 8.8 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $76,481 8.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gulf Breeze?

The average cost of solar panels in Gulf Breeze 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 certain factors 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 consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gulf Breeze is currently $482,597, so you could be looking at a value of about $19,786 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gulf Breeze is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even 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 decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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