Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marathon, FL (2024 Update)

  • Marathon Solar Installation Cost: $11,253
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,037
  • Payback Period: 9.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Marathon

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Marathon.

In Marathon, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Marathon homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,253 with the federal tax credit, or $16,092 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Marathon, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Marathon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,880
3 years $-7,132
5 years $-4,385
7 years $-1,638
9 years $1,109
11 years $3,857
13 years $6,604
15 years $9,351
17 years $12,098
19 years $14,845
21 years $17,593
23 years $20,340
25 years $23,087

Top Solar Installers in Marathon

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Marathon, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Marathon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marathon

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Marathon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Marathon, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marathon, which can reduce, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Marathon, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access 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 discount 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 $20,610 10.1 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $27,840 9.9 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $35,249 9.7 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $42,838 9.5 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $50,607 9.3 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $58,556 9.1 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $66,684 9.0 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $74,993 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Marathon, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marathon?

This is a difficult 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient 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.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Marathon is currently $875,489, so you could be looking at a value of about $35,895 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marathon is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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