Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Carlos Park, FL (2024 Update)

  • San Carlos Park Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,337
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Carlos Park

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in San Carlos Park.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Carlos Park typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in San Carlos Park, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,004, or $17,166 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in San Carlos Park can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in San Carlos Park for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in San Carlos Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,630
3 years $-7,883
5 years $-5,136
7 years $-2,388
9 years $359
11 years $3,106
13 years $5,853
15 years $8,601
17 years $11,348
19 years $14,095
21 years $16,842
23 years $19,589
25 years $22,337

Top Solar Installers in San Carlos Park

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in San Carlos Park, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 San Carlos Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Carlos Park

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in San Carlos Park: 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect 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 San Carlos Park offer 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout San Carlos Park, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $18,280 10.9 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $24,733 10.6 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $31,366 10.4 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $38,178 10.2 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $45,170 10.0 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $52,342 9.8 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $59,694 9.6 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $67,225 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in San Carlos Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on 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: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's San Carlos Park, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Carlos Park?

The average cost of solar panels in San Carlos Park 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in San Carlos Park?

You can’t get solar panels for free in San Carlos Park. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in San Carlos Park?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.

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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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