Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tavares, FL (2024 Update)
- Tavares Solar Installation Cost: $12,571
- 25-Year Savings: $23,575
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tavares
We go over average solar pricing in Tavares.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tavares typically cost around 3.Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Tavares, the average price of going solar will be about $12,571 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Tavares that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tavares
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,797 |
| 3 years | $-7,247 |
| 5 years | $-3,697 |
| 7 years | $-148 |
| 9 years | $3,402 |
| 11 years | $6,951 |
| 13 years | $10,501 |
| 15 years | $14,050 |
| 17 years | $17,600 |
| 19 years | $21,150 |
| 21 years | $24,699 |
| 23 years | $28,249 |
| 25 years | $31,798 |
Top Solar Installers in Tavares
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Tavares:
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 Tavares
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tavares
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 production need 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 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tavares to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea 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 evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tavares is the company you hire 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.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 prices because of greater resources and better 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 discount 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 | $21,888 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,543 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,378 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,393 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,588 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $61,962 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $70,517 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $79,251 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power 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 what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Tavares, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tavares?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tavares?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.