Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Little River, FL (2023 Update)
- West Little River Solar Installation Cost: $9,512
- 25-Year Savings: $19,647
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Little River
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in West Little River.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Little River, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West Little River is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,510 for a solar installation, or $13,599 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Little River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,138 |
| 3 years | $-5,391 |
| 5 years | $-2,644 |
| 7 years | $104 |
| 9 years | $2,851 |
| 11 years | $5,598 |
| 13 years | $8,345 |
| 15 years | $11,093 |
| 17 years | $13,840 |
| 19 years | $16,587 |
| 21 years | $19,334 |
| 23 years | $22,082 |
| 25 years | $24,829 |
Top Solar Installers in West Little River
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Little River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Little River
Although the average cost of a solar system in West Little River is $9,510, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Little River to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. West Little River's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,524 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,981 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,581 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,322 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,205 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,230 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,396 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,704 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Little River, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Little River?
The average cost of solar panels in West Little River 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Little River?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Little River, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.