Solar Panel Cost Guide in Punta Gorda, FL (2024 Update)
- Punta Gorda Solar Installation Cost: $11,931
- 25-Year Savings: $22,412
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Punta Gorda
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Punta Gorda.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Punta Gorda it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Punta Gorda is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,931 for a solar installation, or $17,061 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Punta Gorda find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Punta Gorda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,557 |
| 3 years | $-7,810 |
| 5 years | $-5,062 |
| 7 years | $-2,315 |
| 9 years | $433 |
| 11 years | $3,180 |
| 13 years | $5,928 |
| 15 years | $8,675 |
| 17 years | $11,423 |
| 19 years | $14,170 |
| 21 years | $16,917 |
| 23 years | $19,665 |
| 25 years | $22,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Punta Gorda
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Punta Gorda:
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 Punta Gorda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Punta Gorda
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Punta Gorda: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,210.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Punta Gorda homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Punta Gorda homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Punta Gorda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,874 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,858 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,021 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,365 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,888 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $56,591 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $64,474 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $72,537 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Punta Gorda, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Punta Gorda?
The average cost of solar panels in Punta Gorda is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Punta Gorda?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Punta Gorda?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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 get 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.