Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pine Castle, FL (2024 Update)
- Pine Castle Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $21,624
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pine Castle
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pine Castle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pine Castle, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pine Castle is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,301 for a solar installation, or $17,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Pine Castle based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Pine Castle homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pine Castle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,526 |
| 3 years | $-6,977 |
| 5 years | $-3,427 |
| 7 years | $122 |
| 9 years | $3,672 |
| 11 years | $7,222 |
| 13 years | $10,771 |
| 15 years | $14,321 |
| 17 years | $17,870 |
| 19 years | $21,420 |
| 21 years | $24,969 |
| 23 years | $28,519 |
| 25 years | $32,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Pine Castle
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Pine Castle, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Pine Castle:
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 Pine Castle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pine Castle
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pine Castle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pine Castle, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Pine Castle’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $20,304 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,432 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,739 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,226 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,893 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,740 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,766 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,972 | 8.8 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Pine Castle, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pine Castle?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pine Castle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pine Castle?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.