Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augustine Shores, FL (2024 Update)
- St. Augustine Shores 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 Shores
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Augustine Shores.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Augustine Shores generally cost about 3.The average St. Augustine Shores homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,181 with the federal tax credit, or $17,419 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in St. Augustine Shores, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Augustine Shores
| 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 Shores
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augustine Shores
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Augustine Shores can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,210. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 into 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 offered by most installers in St. Augustine Shores, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Augustine Shores, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion 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 Shores, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Augustine Shores?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Augustine Shores?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St. Augustine Shores, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in St. Augustine Shores?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.