Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, FL (2024 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $12,014
- 25-Year Savings: $22,326
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Sweetwater.
In Sweetwater, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Sweetwater is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,014 for a solar installation, or $17,180 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Sweetwater depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,641 |
| 3 years | $-7,894 |
| 5 years | $-5,146 |
| 7 years | $-2,399 |
| 9 years | $348 |
| 11 years | $3,095 |
| 13 years | $5,843 |
| 15 years | $8,590 |
| 17 years | $11,337 |
| 19 years | $14,084 |
| 21 years | $16,832 |
| 23 years | $19,579 |
| 25 years | $22,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
Do-it-yourself 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. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Sweetwater, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Sweetwater:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sweetwater, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Sweetwater, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $18,699 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,291 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,063 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,015 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,147 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,459 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,950 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,621 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy 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.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Sweetwater, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sweetwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.