Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mary Esther, FL (2023 Update)
- Mary Esther Solar Installation Cost: $10,288
- 25-Year Savings: $22,720
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mary Esther
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Mary Esther.
The average cost of a solar system in Mary Esther is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mary Esther, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,290, or $14,715 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mary Esther see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mary Esther
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,529 |
| 3 years | $-5,011 |
| 5 years | $-1,492 |
| 7 years | $2,026 |
| 9 years | $5,545 |
| 11 years | $9,063 |
| 13 years | $12,582 |
| 15 years | $16,100 |
| 17 years | $19,619 |
| 19 years | $23,138 |
| 21 years | $26,656 |
| 23 years | $30,175 |
| 25 years | $33,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Mary Esther
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Mary Esther
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mary Esther
The cost of installing a solar system in Mary Esther can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Mary Esther, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mary Esther, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mary Esther provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mary Esther homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Mary Esther, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $23,040 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,004 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $39,109 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $47,355 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $55,744 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $64,274 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $72,946 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $81,759 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Mary Esther, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mary Esther?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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 above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mary Esther?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mary Esther. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mary Esther?
Each state has some kind 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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 buy 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.