Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Miami Heights, FL (2024 Update)
- South Miami Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,985
- 25-Year Savings: $19,586
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Miami Heights
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in South Miami Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Miami Heights it’s 3 per watt.Since a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Miami Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $11,985 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average South Miami Heights homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in South Miami Heights for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Miami Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,612 |
| 3 years | $-7,865 |
| 5 years | $-5,117 |
| 7 years | $-2,370 |
| 9 years | $377 |
| 11 years | $3,124 |
| 13 years | $5,872 |
| 15 years | $8,619 |
| 17 years | $11,366 |
| 19 years | $14,113 |
| 21 years | $16,861 |
| 23 years | $19,608 |
| 25 years | $22,355 |
Top Solar Installers in South Miami Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Miami Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Miami Heights
Although the average cost of a solar system in South Miami Heights is $11,985, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Miami Heights, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Miami Heights homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in South Miami Heights, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $18,636 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,208 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,959 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,891 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,001 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,292 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,763 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,413 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Miami Heights, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Miami Heights?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Miami Heights?
Solar panels aren’t free in South Miami Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,088.59 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.