Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeland Highlands, FL (2024 Update)

  • Lakeland Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,156
  • Payback Period: 11.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Lakeland Highlands

See how much it might cost to go solar in Lakeland Highlands.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Lakeland Highlands is 3 per watt.The average Lakeland Highlands homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,358 with the federal tax credit, or $17,672 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Lakeland Highlands based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lakeland Highlands see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Lakeland Highlands for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Lakeland Highlands

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-11,033
3 years$-8,382
5 years$-5,731
7 years$-3,081
9 years$-430
11 years$2,221
13 years$4,871
15 years$7,522
17 years$10,173
19 years$12,824
21 years$15,474
23 years$18,125
25 years$20,776

Top Solar Installers in Lakeland Highlands

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Lakeland Highlands

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeland Highlands

Although the average cost of a solar system in Lakeland Highlands is $12,358, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,210 per kilowatt in Lakeland Highlands.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lakeland Highlands to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Lakeland Highlands, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.34$14,021$14,23012.4 years
8 kW$3.27$18,336$19,33312.2 years
10 kW$3.21$22,470$24,61511.9 years
12 kW$3.15$26,425$30,07711.7 years
14 kW$3.08$30,200$35,71911.5 years
16 kW$3.02$33,795$41,54111.2 years
18 kW$2.95$37,210$47,54311.0 years
20 kW$2.89$40,446$53,72410.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences 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:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Lakeland Highlands, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lakeland Highlands?

The average cost of solar panels in Lakeland Highlands 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Lakeland Highlands?

Solar panels aren’t free in Lakeland Highlands, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $941.70 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.