Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Palm Beach, FL (2024 Update)
- West Palm Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,093
- 25-Year Savings: $19,151
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Palm Beach
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in West Palm Beach.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Palm Beach typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $12,093 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in West Palm Beach depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average West Palm Beach homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Palm Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,719 |
| 3 years | $-7,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,224 |
| 7 years | $-2,477 |
| 9 years | $270 |
| 11 years | $3,017 |
| 13 years | $5,765 |
| 15 years | $8,512 |
| 17 years | $11,259 |
| 19 years | $14,006 |
| 21 years | $16,753 |
| 23 years | $19,501 |
| 25 years | $22,248 |
Top Solar Installers in West Palm Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Palm Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Palm Beach
For many West Palm Beach homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Palm Beach, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 $3,210.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Palm Beach, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Palm Beach homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Palm Beach, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $17,956 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,301 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $30,826 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $37,530 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $44,415 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $51,479 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $58,722 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $66,146 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Palm Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Palm Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in West Palm Beach is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors 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 West Palm Beach?
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 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,065.92 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Palm Beach?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.