Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hernando, FL (2024 Update)
- Hernando Solar Installation Cost: $12,573
- 25-Year Savings: $23,670
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hernando
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hernando.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hernando it’s 3 per watt.The average Hernando homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,573 with the federal tax credit, or $17,979 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Hernando homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hernando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,798 |
| 3 years | $-7,248 |
| 5 years | $-3,699 |
| 7 years | $-149 |
| 9 years | $3,400 |
| 11 years | $6,950 |
| 13 years | $10,499 |
| 15 years | $14,049 |
| 17 years | $17,599 |
| 19 years | $21,148 |
| 21 years | $24,698 |
| 23 years | $28,247 |
| 25 years | $31,797 |
Top Solar Installers in Hernando
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels 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 Hernando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hernando
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Hernando: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hernando offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Hernando’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $21,987 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,675 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,543 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,591 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,819 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $62,226 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $70,813 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $79,580 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Hernando, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hernando?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hernando, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 choose 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.