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.Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Starke, the average price of going solar will be about $12,908 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Starke homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
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
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 Starke
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Starke
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Starke: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Starke, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Starke average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Starke to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down 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 panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations 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 make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Starke, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Starke?
The average cost of solar panels in Starke 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Starke?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Starke, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,042.70 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.