Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Bay, FL (2023 Update)
- South Bay Solar Installation Cost: $9,531
- 25-Year Savings: $19,628
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Bay
We break down average solar pricing in South Bay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Bay it's 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in South Bay, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,528, or $13,625 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in South Bay can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in South Bay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,434 |
| 3 years | $-9,239 |
| 5 years | $-9,045 |
| 7 years | $-8,850 |
| 9 years | $-8,656 |
| 11 years | $-8,462 |
| 13 years | $-8,267 |
| 15 years | $-8,073 |
| 17 years | $-7,878 |
| 19 years | $-7,684 |
| 21 years | $-7,490 |
| 23 years | $-7,295 |
| 25 years | $-7,101 |
Top Solar Installers in South Bay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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 Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Bay
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,530 per kilowatt in South Bay. 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Bay average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for South Bay homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Bay is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,458 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,894 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,471 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,191 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,052 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,054 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,199 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,485 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives 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 Bay, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in South Bay 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Bay is currently $82,200, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,370 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Bay is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.