Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ocala, FL (2024 Update)
- Ocala Solar Installation Cost: $12,744
- 25-Year Savings: $21,422
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ocala
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Ocala.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ocala is 3 per watt.Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ocala, the average price of going solar will be about $12,744 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Ocala homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Ocala, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ocala
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,058 |
| 3 years | $-7,686 |
| 5 years | $-4,314 |
| 7 years | $-942 |
| 9 years | $2,430 |
| 11 years | $5,802 |
| 13 years | $9,174 |
| 15 years | $12,547 |
| 17 years | $15,919 |
| 19 years | $19,291 |
| 21 years | $22,663 |
| 23 years | $26,035 |
| 25 years | $29,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Ocala
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ocala, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ocala
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ocala
The cost of installing a solar system in Ocala 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 the equipment you choose, 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. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ocala average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Ocala, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ocala know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $19,266 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,048 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,009 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,150 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,471 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,972 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $62,652 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $70,513 | 9.1 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ocala, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ocala?
The average cost of solar panels in Ocala is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ocala?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Does Ocala have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.