Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauchula, FL (2024 Update)
- Wauchula Solar Installation Cost: $12,288
- 25-Year Savings: $23,958
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wauchula
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wauchula.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wauchula, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,288 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wauchula homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Wauchula can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wauchula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,670 |
| 3 years | $-7,434 |
| 5 years | $-4,199 |
| 7 years | $-963 |
| 9 years | $2,273 |
| 11 years | $5,509 |
| 13 years | $8,745 |
| 15 years | $11,981 |
| 17 years | $15,217 |
| 19 years | $18,453 |
| 21 years | $21,689 |
| 23 years | $24,925 |
| 25 years | $28,161 |
Top Solar Installers in Wauchula
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Wauchula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wauchula
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Wauchula, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wauchula is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $22,889 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $30,879 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $39,048 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $47,396 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $55,925 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $64,633 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $73,521 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $82,589 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Wauchula, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Wauchula, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wauchula?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wauchula?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wauchula, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wauchula is currently $203,119, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,328 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wauchula is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.