Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Mary, FL (2024 Update)
- Lake Mary Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $20,799
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Mary
We go over average solar pricing in Lake Mary.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lake Mary it’s 3 per watt.Because a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lake Mary, the average price of going solar will be about $12,566 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Lake Mary homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Mary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,925 |
| 3 years | $-7,643 |
| 5 years | $-4,360 |
| 7 years | $-1,078 |
| 9 years | $2,204 |
| 11 years | $5,486 |
| 13 years | $8,768 |
| 15 years | $12,050 |
| 17 years | $15,332 |
| 19 years | $18,614 |
| 21 years | $21,897 |
| 23 years | $25,179 |
| 25 years | $28,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Mary
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lake Mary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Mary
Though the average cost of a solar system in Lake Mary is $12,566, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lake Mary, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Lake Mary’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $18,920 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,586 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,432 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,458 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,664 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,049 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,614 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,359 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Lake Mary, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire 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 Lake Mary, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Mary?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lake Mary?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lake Mary. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lake Mary?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 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.