Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augustine Beach, FL (2024 Update)
- St. Augustine Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,181
- 25-Year Savings: $19,558
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Augustine Beach
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in St. Augustine Beach.
In St. Augustine Beach, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $12,181 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average St. Augustine Beach homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Augustine Beach
| 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 Beach
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in St. Augustine Beach, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augustine Beach
For many St. Augustine Beach homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Augustine Beach, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in St. Augustine Beach, 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 about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. St. Augustine Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,252 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,696 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,319 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,122 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,105 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,268 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $59,610 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,132 | 9.4 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Augustine Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Augustine Beach is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Augustine Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 it worth going solar in St. Augustine Beach?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.