Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Melbourne, FL (2024 Update)
- West Melbourne Solar Installation Cost: $11,321
- 25-Year Savings: $21,008
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Melbourne
We break down average solar pricing in West Melbourne.
In West Melbourne, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Melbourne, the average price of going solar will be about $11,321 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Melbourne homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Melbourne can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Melbourne for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Melbourne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,200 |
| 5 years | $-4,453 |
| 7 years | $-1,706 |
| 9 years | $1,041 |
| 11 years | $3,789 |
| 13 years | $6,536 |
| 15 years | $9,283 |
| 17 years | $12,030 |
| 19 years | $14,778 |
| 21 years | $17,525 |
| 23 years | $20,272 |
| 25 years | $23,019 |
Top Solar Installers in West Melbourne
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in West Melbourne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Melbourne
The cost of installing a solar system in West Melbourne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in West Melbourne, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Melbourne, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Melbourne homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Melbourne, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 vehicle 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $21,622 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,189 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $36,935 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $44,862 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $52,968 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $61,254 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $69,719 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $78,365 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Melbourne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's West Melbourne, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Melbourne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Melbourne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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.
Does West Melbourne have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 install 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.