Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Miami Heights, FL (2023 Update)
- South Miami Heights Solar Installation Cost: $9,446
- 25-Year Savings: $19,586
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Miami Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Miami Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Miami Heights typically cost around 2.53. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in South Miami Heights, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,439, or $13,498 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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 | $-9,350 |
| 3 years | $-9,156 |
| 5 years | $-8,963 |
| 7 years | $-8,769 |
| 9 years | $-8,575 |
| 11 years | $-8,382 |
| 13 years | $-8,188 |
| 15 years | $-7,995 |
| 17 years | $-7,801 |
| 19 years | $-7,608 |
| 21 years | $-7,414 |
| 23 years | $-7,221 |
| 25 years | $-7,027 |
Top Solar Installers in South Miami Heights
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 $9,439, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 typical energy use. 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 you don't have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in South Miami Heights offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,607 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,092 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,719 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,488 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,399 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,451 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,645 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,981 | 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in South Miami Heights 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Miami Heights?
A solar panel system isn't free in South Miami Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does South Miami Heights have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.