Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hutchinson Island South, FL (2023 Update)

  • Hutchinson Island South Solar Installation Cost: $9,298
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,861
  • Payback Period: 8.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Hutchinson Island South

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hutchinson Island South.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hutchinson Island South generally cost about 2.53. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Hutchinson Island South, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,298, or $13,296 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hutchinson Island South homeowner. 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. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hutchinson Island South can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hutchinson Island South

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,131
3 years $-5,799
5 years $-3,466
7 years $-1,133
9 years $1,199
11 years $3,532
13 years $5,865
15 years $8,198
17 years $10,530
19 years $12,863
21 years $15,196
23 years $17,528
25 years $19,861

Top Solar Installers in Hutchinson Island South

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hutchinson Island South

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hutchinson Island South

There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hutchinson Island South, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 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 raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Hutchinson Island South offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hutchinson Island South homeowners, they can also raise 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 installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Hutchinson Island South, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hutchinson Island South are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $22,272 8.3 years
8 kW $2.58 $14,451 $29,979 8.1 years
10 kW $2.53 $17,710 $37,828 8.0 years
12 kW $2.48 $20,827 $45,818 7.8 years
14 kW $2.43 $23,802 $53,951 7.7 years
16 kW $2.38 $26,636 $62,224 7.5 years
18 kW $2.33 $29,328 $70,640 7.3 years
20 kW $2.28 $31,878 $79,197 7.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hutchinson Island South, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 Hutchinson Island South, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hutchinson Island South?

The average cost of solar panels in Hutchinson Island South is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type 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 Hutchinson Island South?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 home 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 will solar panels impact my home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hutchinson Island South is currently $257,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,574 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hutchinson Island South is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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