Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sebastian, FL (2023 Update)
- Sebastian Solar Installation Cost: $9,422
- 25-Year Savings: $19,737
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sebastian
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sebastian.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sebastian it's 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sebastian, the average price of going solar will be about $9,422 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sebastian for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sebastian
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,255 |
| 3 years | $-5,923 |
| 5 years | $-3,590 |
| 7 years | $-1,257 |
| 9 years | $1,075 |
| 11 years | $3,408 |
| 13 years | $5,741 |
| 15 years | $8,074 |
| 17 years | $10,406 |
| 19 years | $12,739 |
| 21 years | $15,072 |
| 23 years | $17,404 |
| 25 years | $19,737 |
Top Solar Installers in Sebastian
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Sebastian, optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sebastian
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sebastian
The cost of installing a solar system in Sebastian can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sebastian, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Sebastian, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $21,804 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,356 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $37,049 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,884 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,860 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,979 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $69,239 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $77,640 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sebastian, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sebastian?
The average cost of solar panels in Sebastian is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sebastian?
A solar panel system isn't free in Sebastian, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,095.18 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sebastian?
Even though 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 the amount of 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.