Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Augustine South, FL (2023 Update)
- St. Augustine South Solar Installation Cost: $9,600
- 25-Year Savings: $19,558
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Augustine South
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in St. Augustine South.
In St. Augustine South, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in St. Augustine South is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,599 for a solar installation, or $13,727 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in St. Augustine South for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in St. Augustine South
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,227 |
| 3 years | $-5,480 |
| 5 years | $-2,732 |
| 7 years | $15 |
| 9 years | $2,762 |
| 11 years | $5,509 |
| 13 years | $8,257 |
| 15 years | $11,004 |
| 17 years | $13,751 |
| 19 years | $16,498 |
| 21 years | $19,246 |
| 23 years | $21,993 |
| 25 years | $24,740 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Augustine South
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Augustine South
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Augustine South can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Augustine South, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Augustine South to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in St. Augustine South, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,222 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,580 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,079 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $43,720 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $51,503 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $59,427 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $67,493 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $75,700 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect 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 a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 South, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Augustine South?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Augustine South?
You can't get solar panels for free in St. Augustine South. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in St. Augustine South?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.