Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Cloud, FL (2023 Update)
- St. Cloud Solar Installation Cost: $9,605
- 25-Year Savings: $21,957
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Cloud
We break down average solar pricing in St. Cloud.
In St. Cloud, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in St. Cloud 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.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in St. Cloud depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Cloud find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Cloud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,897 |
| 3 years | $-4,482 |
| 5 years | $-1,066 |
| 7 years | $2,350 |
| 9 years | $5,766 |
| 11 years | $9,182 |
| 13 years | $12,598 |
| 15 years | $16,013 |
| 17 years | $19,429 |
| 19 years | $22,845 |
| 21 years | $26,261 |
| 23 years | $29,677 |
| 25 years | $33,093 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Cloud
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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. Cloud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Cloud
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Cloud can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Cloud, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in St. Cloud have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in St. Cloud, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $23,864 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,103 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,482 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $49,004 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $57,667 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $66,472 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $75,419 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $84,507 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in St. Cloud, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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. Cloud, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Cloud?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Cloud?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much 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.