Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Augustine, FL (2023 Update)
- St Augustine Solar Installation Cost: $9,599
- 25-Year Savings: $19,726
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Augustine
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in St Augustine.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St Augustine is 2.53 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in St Augustine, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,599, or $13,727 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St Augustine homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average St Augustine homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St Augustine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,426 |
| 3 years | $-6,080 |
| 5 years | $-3,734 |
| 7 years | $-1,388 |
| 9 years | $958 |
| 11 years | $3,304 |
| 13 years | $5,650 |
| 15 years | $7,996 |
| 17 years | $10,342 |
| 19 years | $12,688 |
| 21 years | $15,034 |
| 23 years | $17,380 |
| 25 years | $19,726 |
Top Solar Installers in St Augustine
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 St Augustine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Augustine
The cost of installing a solar system in St Augustine can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,530 per kilowatt in St Augustine. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St Augustine to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $21,406 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,825 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,386 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,088 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,932 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,917 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,044 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,313 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
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 $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does St Augustine have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in St Augustine?
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 larger level 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.