Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port St Lucie, FL (2023 Update)
- Port St Lucie Solar Installation Cost: $9,298
- 25-Year Savings: $20,067
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port St Lucie
We break down average solar pricing in Port St Lucie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Port St Lucie generally cost about 2.53. Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Port St Lucie, the average price of going solar will be about $9,298 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Port St Lucie depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Port St Lucie can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Port St Lucie that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Port St Lucie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,123 |
| 3 years | $-5,774 |
| 5 years | $-3,425 |
| 7 years | $-1,076 |
| 9 years | $1,273 |
| 11 years | $3,623 |
| 13 years | $5,972 |
| 15 years | $8,321 |
| 17 years | $10,670 |
| 19 years | $13,019 |
| 21 years | $15,368 |
| 23 years | $17,718 |
| 25 years | $20,067 |
Top Solar Installers in Port St Lucie
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 St Lucie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port St Lucie
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Port St Lucie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Port St Lucie, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Port St Lucie, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $22,507 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $30,293 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $38,220 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $46,289 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $54,500 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $62,852 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $71,346 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $79,982 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company 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 be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 St Lucie, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port St Lucie?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Port St Lucie is currently $214,413, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,791 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Port St Lucie is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.