Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sanibel, FL (2023 Update)
- Sanibel Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $19,698
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sanibel
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Sanibel.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sanibel typically cost about 2.53. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Sanibel, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,457, or $13,524 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sanibel find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sanibel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,364 |
| 3 years | $-9,169 |
| 5 years | $-8,975 |
| 7 years | $-8,781 |
| 9 years | $-8,586 |
| 11 years | $-8,392 |
| 13 years | $-8,197 |
| 15 years | $-8,003 |
| 17 years | $-7,809 |
| 19 years | $-7,614 |
| 21 years | $-7,420 |
| 23 years | $-7,225 |
| 25 years | $-7,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Sanibel
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sanibel:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Sanibel: 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 energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,530. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sanibel, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sanibel provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Sanibel's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $21,698 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,214 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,872 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,671 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,613 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,695 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,920 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $77,286 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sanibel?
The average cost of solar panels in Sanibel is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Sanibel?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sanibel. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Sanibel have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sanibel?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.