Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Apopka, FL (2023 Update)
- South Apopka Solar Installation Cost: $9,695
- 25-Year Savings: $21,909
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Apopka
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South Apopka.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Apopka it's 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in South Apopka is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,687 for a solar installation, or $13,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in South Apopka based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Apopka find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Apopka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,590 |
| 3 years | $-9,379 |
| 5 years | $-9,168 |
| 7 years | $-8,958 |
| 9 years | $-8,747 |
| 11 years | $-8,536 |
| 13 years | $-8,326 |
| 15 years | $-8,115 |
| 17 years | $-7,904 |
| 19 years | $-7,694 |
| 21 years | $-7,483 |
| 23 years | $-7,272 |
| 25 years | $-7,061 |
Top Solar Installers in South Apopka
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 South Apopka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Apopka
Even though the average cost of a solar system in South Apopka is $9,687, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Apopka average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Apopka to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout South Apopka, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $23,587 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,733 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,020 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $48,449 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $57,020 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $65,733 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $74,587 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $83,583 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 South Apopka, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Apopka?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Apopka?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Apopka. 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Apopka, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in South Apopka?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.