Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lehigh Acres, FL (2024 Update)
- Lehigh Acres Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
- 25-Year Savings: $21,319
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lehigh Acres
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Lehigh Acres.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lehigh Acres it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lehigh Acres, the average price of going solar will be about $12,004 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lehigh Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,533 |
| 3 years | $-7,592 |
| 5 years | $-4,650 |
| 7 years | $-1,709 |
| 9 years | $1,233 |
| 11 years | $4,174 |
| 13 years | $7,116 |
| 15 years | $10,057 |
| 17 years | $12,999 |
| 19 years | $15,940 |
| 21 years | $18,882 |
| 23 years | $21,823 |
| 25 years | $24,765 |
Top Solar Installers in Lehigh Acres
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Lehigh Acres, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lehigh Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lehigh Acres
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,210 per kilowatt in Lehigh Acres.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lehigh Acres average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Lehigh Acres’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,549 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,758 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $35,147 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,715 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $50,464 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $58,392 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $66,500 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $74,787 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Lehigh Acres, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lehigh Acres?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lehigh Acres?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lehigh Acres, 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 can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.