Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauchula, FL (2023 Update)
- Wauchula Solar Installation Cost: $9,685
- 25-Year Savings: $23,958
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wauchula
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wauchula.
In Wauchula, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Wauchula, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,687, or $13,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Wauchula homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wauchula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,573 |
| 3 years | $-9,349 |
| 5 years | $-9,124 |
| 7 years | $-8,900 |
| 9 years | $-8,676 |
| 11 years | $-8,452 |
| 13 years | $-8,227 |
| 15 years | $-8,003 |
| 17 years | $-7,779 |
| 19 years | $-7,555 |
| 21 years | $-7,330 |
| 23 years | $-7,106 |
| 25 years | $-6,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Wauchula
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wauchula, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Wauchula can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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 $2,530. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wauchula average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Wauchula homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor 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 solar company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.63 | $11,051 | $25,860 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,763 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,808 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $52,994 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,322 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $71,792 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,404 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,157 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Wauchula is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wauchula?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,230.35 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.