Solar Panel Cost Guide in Margate, FL (2023 Update)
- Margate Solar Installation Cost: $9,524
- 25-Year Savings: $19,635
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Margate
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Margate.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Margate, the average cost of a solar system is 2.53 per watt. The average Margate homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,528 with the federal tax credit, or $13,625 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Margate homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Margate homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Margate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,427 |
| 3 years | $-9,232 |
| 5 years | $-9,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,844 |
| 9 years | $-8,649 |
| 11 years | $-8,455 |
| 13 years | $-8,260 |
| 15 years | $-8,066 |
| 17 years | $-7,872 |
| 19 years | $-7,677 |
| 21 years | $-7,483 |
| 23 years | $-7,288 |
| 25 years | $-7,094 |
Top Solar Installers in Margate
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Margate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Margate
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 pay around $2,530 per kilowatt in Margate. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Margate's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $21,481 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,925 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,510 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,237 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,106 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,117 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,269 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,562 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Margate, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Margate?
The average cost of solar panels in Margate is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Margate?
You can't get solar panels for free in Margate. 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 it worth going solar in Margate?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.