Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southchase, FL (2023 Update)
- Southchase Solar Installation Cost: $9,695
- 25-Year Savings: $22,552
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southchase
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Southchase.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southchase, the average cost of a solar system is 2.53 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Southchase, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,687, or $13,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southchase find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Southchase
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,588 |
| 3 years | $-9,373 |
| 5 years | $-9,158 |
| 7 years | $-8,943 |
| 9 years | $-8,728 |
| 11 years | $-8,513 |
| 13 years | $-8,298 |
| 15 years | $-8,083 |
| 17 years | $-7,868 |
| 19 years | $-7,653 |
| 21 years | $-7,438 |
| 23 years | $-7,223 |
| 25 years | $-7,008 |
Top Solar Installers in Southchase
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Southchase
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southchase
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Southchase: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Southchase, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Southchase, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Southchase's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $24,292 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,673 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $41,195 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $49,859 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $58,665 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $67,612 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $76,701 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $85,932 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Southchase, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Southchase, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southchase?
The average cost of solar panels in Southchase 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southchase?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.