Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tampa, FL (2024 Update)
- Tampa Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $16,538
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tampa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tampa.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Tampa is 3 per watt.The average Tampa 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tampa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,061 |
| 3 years | $-8,395 |
| 5 years | $-5,729 |
| 7 years | $-3,063 |
| 9 years | $-397 |
| 11 years | $2,269 |
| 13 years | $4,935 |
| 15 years | $7,601 |
| 17 years | $10,267 |
| 19 years | $12,933 |
| 21 years | $15,599 |
| 23 years | $18,265 |
| 25 years | $20,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Tampa
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Tampa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tampa
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tampa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Tampa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tampa to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much it costs. Tampa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $14,595 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $19,819 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $25,223 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $30,807 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $36,571 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $42,514 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $48,638 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $54,941 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Tampa, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tampa?
The average cost of solar panels in Tampa is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tampa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Tampa?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.