Solar Panel Cost Guide in Okeechobee, FL (2023 Update)

  • Okeechobee Solar Installation Cost: $9,670
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,609
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Okeechobee

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Okeechobee.

The average cost of a solar system in Okeechobee is 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Okeechobee, the average price of going solar will be about $9,670 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Okeechobee depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Okeechobee find investing in solar can pay off big.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Okeechobee, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Okeechobee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,339
3 years $-5,676
5 years $-3,014
7 years $-352
9 years $2,311
11 years $4,973
13 years $7,635
15 years $10,297
17 years $12,960
19 years $15,622
21 years $18,284
23 years $20,947
25 years $23,609

Top Solar Installers in Okeechobee

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Okeechobee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Okeechobee

There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Okeechobee average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Okeechobee to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company 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 Okeechobee, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $25,487 7.6 years
8 kW $2.58 $14,451 $34,266 7.4 years
10 kW $2.53 $17,710 $43,186 7.3 years
12 kW $2.48 $20,827 $52,248 7.1 years
14 kW $2.43 $23,802 $61,452 7.0 years
16 kW $2.38 $26,636 $70,798 6.8 years
18 kW $2.33 $29,328 $80,285 6.7 years
20 kW $2.28 $31,878 $89,914 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Okeechobee, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Okeechobee?

The average cost of solar panels in Okeechobee is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Okeechobee?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get 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.

Follow us