Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuart, FL (2023 Update)
- Stuart Solar Installation Cost: $9,493
- 25-Year Savings: $19,666
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stuart
We break down average solar pricing in Stuart.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Stuart is 2.53 per watt. The average Stuart homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,493 with the federal tax credit, or $13,575 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stuart find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stuart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,326 |
| 3 years | $-5,994 |
| 5 years | $-3,661 |
| 7 years | $-1,328 |
| 9 years | $1,005 |
| 11 years | $3,337 |
| 13 years | $5,670 |
| 15 years | $8,003 |
| 17 years | $10,335 |
| 19 years | $12,668 |
| 21 years | $15,001 |
| 23 years | $17,333 |
| 25 years | $19,666 |
Top Solar Installers in Stuart
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Stuart, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many Stuart homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stuart, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Stuart have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,562 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,033 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,645 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,399 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,295 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,333 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,512 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,832 | 7.3 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stuart?
The average cost of solar panels in Stuart is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stuart?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 property 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 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 Stuart, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.