Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake City, FL (2025 Update)
- Lake City Solar Installation Cost: $12,942
- 25-Year Savings: $21,111
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake City
We break down average solar pricing in Lake City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake City generally cost about 3.Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lake City, the average price of going solar will be about $12,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Lake City homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lake City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,569 |
| 3 years | $-8,821 |
| 5 years | $-6,074 |
| 7 years | $-3,327 |
| 9 years | $-580 |
| 11 years | $2,168 |
| 13 years | $4,915 |
| 15 years | $7,662 |
| 17 years | $10,409 |
| 19 years | $13,157 |
| 21 years | $15,904 |
| 23 years | $18,651 |
| 25 years | $21,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake City
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Lake City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Lake City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,210. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lake City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Lake City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $18,596 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,154 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,892 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,810 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,907 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,184 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,641 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,278 | 9.3 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
EcoWatch's Lake City, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake City?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake City is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lake City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.