Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuart, FL (2025 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 typically 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 how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stuart find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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 choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in Stuart, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Stuart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stuart
The cost of installing a solar system in Stuart can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,210 per kilowatt in Stuart.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Stuart offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Stuart is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
EcoWatch's Stuart, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stuart?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stuart?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Stuart have a net metering program?
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 long do solar panels last in Stuart?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.