Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuart, FL (2024 Update)
- Stuart Solar Installation Cost: $12,054
- 25-Year Savings: $19,658
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stuart
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Stuart.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stuart generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Stuart, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,054, or $17,237 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Stuart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,680 |
| 3 years | $-7,933 |
| 5 years | $-5,186 |
| 7 years | $-2,439 |
| 9 years | $309 |
| 11 years | $3,056 |
| 13 years | $5,803 |
| 15 years | $8,550 |
| 17 years | $11,298 |
| 19 years | $14,045 |
| 21 years | $16,792 |
| 23 years | $19,539 |
| 25 years | $22,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Stuart
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Stuart, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Stuart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stuart
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Stuart: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
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. For that reason, 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 want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Stuart have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $18,592 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,149 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,885 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,802 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,898 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,173 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,629 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,264 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Stuart, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stuart?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stuart?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Does Stuart have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.