Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sarasota, FL (2023 Update)
- Sarasota Solar Installation Cost: $9,598
- 25-Year Savings: $19,994
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sarasota
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sarasota.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sarasota, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Sarasota, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,599, or $13,727 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Sarasota homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sarasota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,224 |
| 3 years | $-5,477 |
| 5 years | $-2,730 |
| 7 years | $17 |
| 9 years | $2,765 |
| 11 years | $5,512 |
| 13 years | $8,259 |
| 15 years | $11,006 |
| 17 years | $13,754 |
| 19 years | $16,501 |
| 21 years | $19,248 |
| 23 years | $21,995 |
| 25 years | $24,742 |
Top Solar Installers in Sarasota
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Sarasota can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sarasota to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Sarasota'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 offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,711 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,231 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,893 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,696 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,642 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,729 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,957 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $77,328 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Sarasota 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Sarasota have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.