Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orlando, FL (Mar 2023)
- Orlando Solar Installation Cost: $9,687
- 25-Year Savings: $21,215
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orlando
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Orlando.
In Orlando, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. The average Orlando homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,687 with the federal tax credit, or $13,852 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orlando find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orlando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,451 |
| 3 years | $-5,979 |
| 5 years | $-3,507 |
| 7 years | $-1,035 |
| 9 years | $1,437 |
| 11 years | $3,910 |
| 13 years | $6,382 |
| 15 years | $8,854 |
| 17 years | $11,326 |
| 19 years | $13,798 |
| 21 years | $16,270 |
| 23 years | $18,742 |
| 25 years | $21,215 |
Top Solar Installers in Orlando
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various 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 (coming 2022)
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
For many Orlando homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orlando, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Orlando, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orlando to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Orlando homeowners, they can also add to 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 installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Orlando, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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.