Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sanford, FL (2024 Update)
- Sanford Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $20,836
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sanford
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sanford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sanford, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Sanford homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,566 with the federal tax credit, or $17,969 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Sanford depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 | $-11,192 |
| 3 years | $-8,445 |
| 5 years | $-5,698 |
| 7 years | $-2,950 |
| 9 years | $-203 |
| 11 years | $2,544 |
| 13 years | $5,291 |
| 15 years | $8,039 |
| 17 years | $10,786 |
| 19 years | $13,533 |
| 21 years | $16,280 |
| 23 years | $19,027 |
| 25 years | $21,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Sanford
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sanford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sanford is $12,566, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system 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 largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sanford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sanford, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Sanford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $18,960 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,639 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,498 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,537 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,756 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $54,155 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,733 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,491 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Sanford, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sanford?
The average cost of solar panels in Sanford is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff 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 Sanford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sanford is currently $342,955, so you can look forward to a value of about $14,061 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sanford is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.