Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fort Myers, FL (2023 Update)
- North Fort Myers Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $19,379
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fort Myers
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in North Fort Myers.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Fort Myers, the average cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Fort Myers is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,457 for a solar installation, or $13,524 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average North Fort Myers homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in North Fort Myers, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Fort Myers
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,365 |
| 3 years | $-9,173 |
| 5 years | $-8,980 |
| 7 years | $-8,788 |
| 9 years | $-8,596 |
| 11 years | $-8,403 |
| 13 years | $-8,211 |
| 15 years | $-8,019 |
| 17 years | $-7,827 |
| 19 years | $-7,634 |
| 21 years | $-7,442 |
| 23 years | $-7,250 |
| 25 years | $-7,058 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fort Myers
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of 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 North Fort Myers
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Fort Myers
The cost of installing a solar system in North Fort Myers can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Fort Myers, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Fort Myers homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in North Fort Myers, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $21,340 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,737 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,275 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,955 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,777 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,740 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,845 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,092 | 7.4 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 North Fort Myers, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Fort Myers?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does North Fort Myers have a net metering program?
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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.