Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Charlotte, FL (2024 Update)
- Port Charlotte Solar Installation Cost: $11,931
- 25-Year Savings: $19,489
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Charlotte
We break down average solar pricing in Port Charlotte.
In Port Charlotte, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $11,931 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Port Charlotte homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Port Charlotte homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Charlotte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,557 |
| 3 years | $-7,810 |
| 5 years | $-5,063 |
| 7 years | $-2,316 |
| 9 years | $432 |
| 11 years | $3,179 |
| 13 years | $5,926 |
| 15 years | $8,673 |
| 17 years | $11,420 |
| 19 years | $14,168 |
| 21 years | $16,915 |
| 23 years | $19,662 |
| 25 years | $22,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Charlotte
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Port Charlotte, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Port Charlotte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Charlotte
The cost of installing a solar system in Port Charlotte can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,210 per kilowatt in Port Charlotte.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $18,627 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,196 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,944 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,872 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,980 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,268 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,735 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,382 | 9.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds 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 high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Port Charlotte, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Charlotte?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,088.28 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Port Charlotte?
On average, solar panels can last 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.