Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sanibel, FL (2024 Update)
- Sanibel Solar Installation Cost: $12,004
- 25-Year Savings: $19,698
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sanibel
We break down average solar pricing in Sanibel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sanibel it’s 3 per watt.Because a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sanibel, the average price of going solar will be about $12,004 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sanibel for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sanibel
| 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 Sanibel
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sanibel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sanibel
There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sanibel, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sanibel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Sanibel, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,728 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,330 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,112 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,074 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,215 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,536 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,037 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,718 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Sanibel, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sanibel?
The average cost of solar panels in Sanibel 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sanibel is currently $1,003,542, so you could be looking at a value of about $41,145 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sanibel is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.