Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southeast Arcadia, FL (Mar 2023)
- Southeast Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $9,670
- 25-Year Savings: $22,662
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southeast Arcadia
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Southeast Arcadia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southeast Arcadia it's 2.53 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $9,670 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Southeast Arcadia homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Southeast Arcadia for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Southeast Arcadia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,376 |
| 3 years | $-5,790 |
| 5 years | $-3,203 |
| 7 years | $-617 |
| 9 years | $1,970 |
| 11 years | $4,556 |
| 13 years | $7,143 |
| 15 years | $9,729 |
| 17 years | $12,316 |
| 19 years | $14,902 |
| 21 years | $17,489 |
| 23 years | $20,075 |
| 25 years | $22,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Southeast Arcadia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Southeast Arcadia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southeast Arcadia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Southeast Arcadia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Southeast Arcadia, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southeast Arcadia average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Southeast Arcadia, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $24,449 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,882 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $41,457 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $50,173 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $59,032 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $68,031 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $77,173 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $86,456 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Southeast Arcadia, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southeast Arcadia?
The average cost of solar panels in Southeast Arcadia 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southeast Arcadia?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.