Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bradenton, FL (2024 Update)
- West Bradenton Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $19,464
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bradenton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in West Bradenton.
In West Bradenton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in West Bradenton is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,301 for a solar installation, or $17,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average West Bradenton homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bradenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,180 |
| 5 years | $-5,432 |
| 7 years | $-2,685 |
| 9 years | $62 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,556 |
| 15 years | $8,304 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $13,798 |
| 21 years | $16,545 |
| 23 years | $19,293 |
| 25 years | $22,040 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bradenton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional 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 West Bradenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bradenton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Bradenton: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Bradenton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add 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 final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in West Bradenton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,938 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,277 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $30,795 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $37,493 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $44,371 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $51,429 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $58,667 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $66,084 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 West Bradenton, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Bradenton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Bradenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does West Bradenton have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.