Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pensacola, FL (Mar 2023)
- Pensacola Solar Installation Cost: $10,307
- 25-Year Savings: $25,531
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pensacola
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Pensacola.
In Pensacola, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pensacola, the average price of going solar will be about $10,307 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Pensacola based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Pensacola homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Pensacola for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pensacola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,874 |
| 3 years | $-6,007 |
| 5 years | $-3,140 |
| 7 years | $-273 |
| 9 years | $2,595 |
| 11 years | $5,462 |
| 13 years | $8,329 |
| 15 years | $11,196 |
| 17 years | $14,063 |
| 19 years | $16,930 |
| 21 years | $19,797 |
| 23 years | $22,664 |
| 25 years | $25,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Pensacola
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Pensacola:
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 Pensacola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pensacola
There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pensacola, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Pensacola's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion 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 | $25,911 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,831 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,893 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $53,097 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,442 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $71,929 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,558 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,328 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Pensacola, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pensacola?
The average cost of solar panels in Pensacola 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pensacola?
You can't get solar panels for free in Pensacola. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.