Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lutz, FL (2024 Update)
- Lutz Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $19,956
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lutz
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Lutz.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lutz it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lutz, the average price of going solar will be about $12,394 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Lutz depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lutz find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lutz
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,709 |
| 3 years | $-7,339 |
| 5 years | $-3,969 |
| 7 years | $-600 |
| 9 years | $2,770 |
| 11 years | $6,140 |
| 13 years | $9,510 |
| 15 years | $12,880 |
| 17 years | $16,249 |
| 19 years | $19,619 |
| 21 years | $22,989 |
| 23 years | $26,359 |
| 25 years | $29,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Lutz
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Lutz:
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 Lutz
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lutz
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Lutz: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lutz provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lutz, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 additional services like electric car 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 | $18,313 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,776 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,420 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,243 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,246 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,429 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,792 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,334 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Lutz, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Lutz, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lutz?
The average cost of solar panels in Lutz 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lutz?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lutz. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get 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.
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.