Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merritt Island, FL (2023 Update)
- Merritt Island Solar Installation Cost: $8,926
- 25-Year Savings: $20,233
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merritt Island
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Merritt Island.
In Merritt Island, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Since a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Merritt Island, the average price of going solar will be about $8,926 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Merritt Island based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Merritt Island homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Merritt Island for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Merritt Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,759 |
| 3 years | $-5,427 |
| 5 years | $-3,094 |
| 7 years | $-761 |
| 9 years | $1,571 |
| 11 years | $3,904 |
| 13 years | $6,237 |
| 15 years | $8,569 |
| 17 years | $10,902 |
| 19 years | $13,235 |
| 21 years | $15,568 |
| 23 years | $17,900 |
| 25 years | $20,233 |
Top Solar Installers in Merritt Island
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
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 near you:
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 Merritt Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merritt Island
The cost of installing a solar system in Merritt Island can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Merritt Island to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Merritt Island, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Merritt Island know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $23,673 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,847 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,163 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $48,620 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $57,220 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $65,961 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $74,843 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $83,868 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Merritt Island, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Merritt Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Merritt Island 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Merritt Island?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Merritt Island?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.