Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watergate, FL (2024 Update)
- Watergate Solar Installation Cost: $12,093
- 25-Year Savings: $19,628
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watergate
We break down average solar pricing in Watergate.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watergate, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Watergate, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,093, or $17,293 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Watergate depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Watergate, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watergate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,719 |
| 3 years | $-7,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,224 |
| 7 years | $-2,477 |
| 9 years | $270 |
| 11 years | $3,017 |
| 13 years | $5,765 |
| 15 years | $8,512 |
| 17 years | $11,259 |
| 19 years | $14,006 |
| 21 years | $16,753 |
| 23 years | $19,501 |
| 25 years | $22,248 |
Top Solar Installers in Watergate
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Watergate, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Watergate, 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 Watergate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watergate
For many Watergate homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watergate, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Watergate, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Watergate, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Watergate homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Watergate is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Watergate are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,488 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,010 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,711 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,593 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,654 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,895 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,316 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,917 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with 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 several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind 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 offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Watergate, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watergate?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Watergate?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Watergate, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Watergate?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Watergate?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.