Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orlando, FL (2023 Update)
- Orlando Solar Installation Cost: $9,695
- 25-Year Savings: $21,207
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orlando
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Orlando.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orlando it's 2.53 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $9,687 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Orlando depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orlando find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orlando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,592 |
| 3 years | $-9,386 |
| 5 years | $-9,180 |
| 7 years | $-8,974 |
| 9 years | $-8,768 |
| 11 years | $-8,562 |
| 13 years | $-8,356 |
| 15 years | $-8,150 |
| 17 years | $-7,944 |
| 19 years | $-7,738 |
| 21 years | $-7,532 |
| 23 years | $-7,326 |
| 25 years | $-7,120 |
Top Solar Installers in Orlando
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost 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 Orlando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orlando
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Orlando: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,530 per kilowatt in Orlando. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orlando to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Orlando homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $22,818 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $30,707 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $38,738 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $46,910 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $55,224 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $63,680 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $72,278 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $81,017 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Orlando, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orlando?
The average cost of solar panels in Orlando 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Orlando?
You can't get solar panels for free in Orlando. 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 Orlando?
Each state has some form 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.