Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Gate Ridge, FL (2024 Update)
- South Gate Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,178
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Gate Ridge
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Gate Ridge.
In South Gate Ridge, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in South Gate Ridge is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,178 for a solar installation, or $17,415 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Gate Ridge find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Gate Ridge
| 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 South Gate Ridge
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 South Gate Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Gate Ridge
The cost of installing a solar system in South Gate Ridge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in South Gate Ridge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Gate Ridge to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in South Gate Ridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $18,260 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,707 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,333 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,138 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,124 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,289 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,634 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,159 | 9.4 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 South Gate Ridge, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Gate Ridge?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Gate Ridge?
Solar panels aren’t free in South Gate Ridge, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Gate Ridge, 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 Gate Ridge?
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 replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.