Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augustine, FL (2024 Update)
- St. Augustine Solar Installation Cost: $12,181
- 25-Year Savings: $19,724
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Augustine
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in St. Augustine.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Augustine is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $12,181 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
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 St. Augustine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,807 |
| 3 years | $-8,060 |
| 5 years | $-5,313 |
| 7 years | $-2,565 |
| 9 years | $182 |
| 11 years | $2,929 |
| 13 years | $5,676 |
| 15 years | $8,424 |
| 17 years | $11,171 |
| 19 years | $13,918 |
| 21 years | $16,665 |
| 23 years | $19,413 |
| 25 years | $22,160 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Augustine
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer 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 St. Augustine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augustine
For many St. Augustine homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Augustine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. St. Augustine’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Augustine know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,436 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,941 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,626 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,490 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,534 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,758 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,162 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,745 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 St. Augustine, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Augustine?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Augustine is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St. Augustine is currently $457,971, which means you can expect a value of about $18,777 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Augustine is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in St. Augustine?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.