Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Pensacola, FL (2023 Update)
- West Pensacola Solar Installation Cost: $10,307
- 25-Year Savings: $25,531
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Pensacola
We break down average solar pricing in West Pensacola.
In West Pensacola, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in West Pensacola, the average price of going solar will be about $10,307 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in West Pensacola based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average West Pensacola homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Pensacola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,874 |
| 3 years | $-6,007 |
| 5 years | $-3,140 |
| 7 years | $-273 |
| 9 years | $2,595 |
| 11 years | $5,462 |
| 13 years | $8,329 |
| 15 years | $11,196 |
| 17 years | $14,063 |
| 19 years | $16,930 |
| 21 years | $19,797 |
| 23 years | $22,664 |
| 25 years | $25,531 |
Top Solar Installers in West Pensacola
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in West Pensacola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Pensacola
For many West Pensacola homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Pensacola, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in West Pensacola, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $25,911 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $34,831 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $43,893 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $53,097 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $62,442 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $71,929 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $81,558 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $91,328 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Pensacola, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Pensacola?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Pensacola?
A solar panel system isn't free in West Pensacola, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in West Pensacola?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Pensacola?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.