Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sanford, FL (2023 Update)
- Sanford Solar Installation Cost: $9,904
- 25-Year Savings: $20,836
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sanford
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Sanford.
In Sanford, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sanford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,900 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sanford homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Sanford homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Sanford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,801 |
| 3 years | $-9,596 |
| 5 years | $-9,391 |
| 7 years | $-9,187 |
| 9 years | $-8,982 |
| 11 years | $-8,777 |
| 13 years | $-8,572 |
| 15 years | $-8,367 |
| 17 years | $-8,162 |
| 19 years | $-7,957 |
| 21 years | $-7,752 |
| 23 years | $-7,547 |
| 25 years | $-7,342 |
Top Solar Installers in Sanford
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sanford
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sanford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sanford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sanford, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sanford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sanford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $21,930 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,523 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $37,258 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $45,135 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $53,154 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $61,314 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $69,615 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $78,059 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company'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 if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Sanford, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sanford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Sanford?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 account for 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.