Solar Panel Cost Guide in Starke, FL (2024 Update)
- Starke Solar Installation Cost: $12,908
- 25-Year Savings: $19,775
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Starke
We go over average solar pricing in Starke.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Starke typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Starke is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,908 for a solar installation, or $18,458 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Starke homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Starke
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,534 |
| 3 years | $-8,787 |
| 5 years | $-6,039 |
| 7 years | $-3,292 |
| 9 years | $-545 |
| 11 years | $2,202 |
| 13 years | $4,950 |
| 15 years | $7,697 |
| 17 years | $10,444 |
| 19 years | $13,191 |
| 21 years | $15,938 |
| 23 years | $18,686 |
| 25 years | $21,433 |
Top Solar Installers in Starke
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Starke
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Starke
The cost of installing a solar system in Starke 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Starke’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Starke are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,260 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $23,372 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $29,665 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $36,137 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $42,789 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $49,621 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $56,632 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $63,824 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Starke, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Starke?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Starke?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Starke. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Starke, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.