Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun City Center, FL (2024 Update)
- Sun City Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $17,144
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun City Center
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sun City Center.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sun City Center, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Sun City Center homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,394 with the federal tax credit, or $17,723 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sun City Center homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Sun City Center homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sun City Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,044 |
| 3 years | $-8,345 |
| 5 years | $-5,646 |
| 7 years | $-2,947 |
| 9 years | $-248 |
| 11 years | $2,450 |
| 13 years | $5,149 |
| 15 years | $7,848 |
| 17 years | $10,547 |
| 19 years | $13,246 |
| 21 years | $15,945 |
| 23 years | $18,644 |
| 25 years | $21,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun City Center
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sun City Center, 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 Sun City Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun City Center
Cost is usually 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 Sun City Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,210. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sun City Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sun City Center provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sun City Center is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,254 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $20,698 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $26,322 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $32,126 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $38,110 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $44,273 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $50,616 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $57,139 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Sun City Center, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sun City Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Sun City Center 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sun City Center?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Sun City Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sun City Center?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.