Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augustine South, FL (2024 Update)
- St. Augustine South 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 South
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Augustine South.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Augustine South generally cost around 3.Because a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in St. Augustine South, the average price of going solar will be about $12,181 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in St. Augustine South depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Augustine South find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Augustine South
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 South
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of 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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in St. Augustine South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augustine South
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in St. Augustine South: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Augustine South average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Augustine South to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. Augustine South homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose 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 due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully 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: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's St. Augustine South, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Augustine South?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Augustine South 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Augustine South?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on 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 South is currently $393,040, which means you can expect a value of about $16,115 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Augustine South is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.