Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sarasota, FL (2024 Update)
- Sarasota Solar Installation Cost: $12,178
- 25-Year Savings: $19,994
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sarasota
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Sarasota.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sarasota generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $12,178 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Sarasota based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Sarasota, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sarasota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,804 |
| 3 years | $-8,057 |
| 5 years | $-5,310 |
| 7 years | $-2,562 |
| 9 years | $185 |
| 11 years | $2,932 |
| 13 years | $5,679 |
| 15 years | $8,427 |
| 17 years | $11,174 |
| 19 years | $13,921 |
| 21 years | $16,668 |
| 23 years | $19,416 |
| 25 years | $22,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Sarasota
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Sarasota, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Sarasota:
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 Sarasota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sarasota
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sarasota: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sarasota, which can reduce, 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 go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sarasota is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $18,740 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,347 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,133 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,099 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,244 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,570 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,075 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,760 | 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:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sarasota, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sarasota?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.