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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 typically cost about 3.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage 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.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average St. Augustine South homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in St. Augustine South that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

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 making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,210. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Augustine South average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in St. Augustine South have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. Augustine South homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Augustine South is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Augustine South?

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 home 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

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."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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