Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockledge, FL (Mar 2023)
- Rockledge Solar Installation Cost: $8,926
- 25-Year Savings: $21,468
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockledge
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Rockledge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockledge it's 2.53 per watt. The average Rockledge homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,926 with the federal tax credit, or $12,764 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rockledge can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockledge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,710 |
| 3 years | $-5,279 |
| 5 years | $-2,847 |
| 7 years | $-416 |
| 9 years | $2,016 |
| 11 years | $4,448 |
| 13 years | $6,879 |
| 15 years | $9,311 |
| 17 years | $11,742 |
| 19 years | $14,174 |
| 21 years | $16,605 |
| 23 years | $19,037 |
| 25 years | $21,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockledge
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Rockledge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockledge
For many Rockledge homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockledge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. The brand and type 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rockledge have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockledge, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rockledge know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $25,144 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $33,809 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $42,615 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $51,563 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $60,653 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $69,884 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $79,257 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $88,772 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully 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 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 Rockledge, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockledge?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rockledge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Rockledge?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Rockledge?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.