Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Carlos Park, FL (2023 Update)
- San Carlos Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Carlos Park
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in San Carlos Park.
The average cost of solar panels in San Carlos Park is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs 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 $9,457, or $13,524 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in San Carlos Park depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average San Carlos Park homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility 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 San Carlos Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,365 |
| 3 years | $-9,173 |
| 5 years | $-8,982 |
| 7 years | $-8,790 |
| 9 years | $-8,598 |
| 11 years | $-8,406 |
| 13 years | $-8,215 |
| 15 years | $-8,023 |
| 17 years | $-7,831 |
| 19 years | $-7,639 |
| 21 years | $-7,448 |
| 23 years | $-7,256 |
| 25 years | $-7,064 |
Top Solar Installers in San Carlos Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 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 are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in San Carlos Park: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,530. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Carlos Park, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in San Carlos Park, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for San Carlos Park homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable 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. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $21,250 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,617 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,126 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,776 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,568 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,501 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,576 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $75,793 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- 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 the installation process.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 San Carlos Park, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Carlos Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in San Carlos Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout San Carlos Park, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in San Carlos Park?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.