Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longwood, FL (2023 Update)
- Longwood Solar Installation Cost: $9,904
- 25-Year Savings: $20,850
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longwood
We break down average solar pricing in Longwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Longwood it's 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Longwood, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,900, or $14,157 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Longwood based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Longwood homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Longwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,229 |
| 3 years | $-4,880 |
| 5 years | $-1,531 |
| 7 years | $1,818 |
| 9 years | $5,167 |
| 11 years | $8,516 |
| 13 years | $11,865 |
| 15 years | $15,214 |
| 17 years | $18,563 |
| 19 years | $21,912 |
| 21 years | $25,261 |
| 23 years | $28,610 |
| 25 years | $31,958 |
Top Solar Installers in Longwood
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Longwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longwood
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Longwood is $9,900, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Longwood, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Longwood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Longwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,945 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,543 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $37,283 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $45,165 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $53,188 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $61,353 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $69,659 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $78,108 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Longwood, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Longwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Longwood 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Longwood?
You can't get solar panels for free in Longwood. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,099.86 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Longwood?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.