Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marianna, FL (2023 Update)
- Marianna Solar Installation Cost: $10,335
- 25-Year Savings: $25,631
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marianna
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marianna.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Marianna it's 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Marianna, the average price of going solar will be about $10,343 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Marianna depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Marianna homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marianna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,215 |
| 3 years | $-9,975 |
| 5 years | $-9,735 |
| 7 years | $-9,495 |
| 9 years | $-9,256 |
| 11 years | $-9,016 |
| 13 years | $-8,776 |
| 15 years | $-8,536 |
| 17 years | $-8,297 |
| 19 years | $-8,057 |
| 21 years | $-7,817 |
| 23 years | $-7,577 |
| 25 years | $-7,337 |
Top Solar Installers in Marianna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Marianna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marianna
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Marianna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better 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 just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Marianna have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Marianna, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $25,929 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,855 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,923 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $53,132 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,484 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $71,976 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,611 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,387 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Marianna, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marianna?
The average cost of solar panels in Marianna 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Marianna?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marianna?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.