Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, FL (2023 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $9,469
- 25-Year Savings: $19,689
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sweetwater.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sweetwater, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sweetwater is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,475 for a solar installation, or $13,549 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Sweetwater homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Sweetwater that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,096 |
| 3 years | $-5,348 |
| 5 years | $-2,601 |
| 7 years | $146 |
| 9 years | $2,893 |
| 11 years | $5,640 |
| 13 years | $8,388 |
| 15 years | $11,135 |
| 17 years | $13,882 |
| 19 years | $16,629 |
| 21 years | $19,377 |
| 23 years | $22,124 |
| 25 years | $24,871 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sweetwater is $9,475, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
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 spend around $2,530 per kilowatt in Sweetwater. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sweetwater, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Sweetwater's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $21,669 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,175 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,823 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,613 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,545 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,618 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,832 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $77,189 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Sweetwater, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sweetwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sweetwater is currently $216,139, so you can expect a value of about $8,862 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sweetwater is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.