Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Pensacola, FL (2023 Update)
- West Pensacola Solar Installation Cost: $10,303
- 25-Year Savings: $25,535
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Pensacola
See how much it might cost to go solar in West Pensacola.
In West Pensacola, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West Pensacola, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,307, or $14,739 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average West Pensacola homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in West Pensacola, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Pensacola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,183 |
| 3 years | $-9,945 |
| 5 years | $-9,706 |
| 7 years | $-9,467 |
| 9 years | $-9,228 |
| 11 years | $-8,989 |
| 13 years | $-8,750 |
| 15 years | $-8,511 |
| 17 years | $-8,272 |
| 19 years | $-8,033 |
| 21 years | $-7,794 |
| 23 years | $-7,555 |
| 25 years | $-7,316 |
Top Solar Installers in West Pensacola
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in West Pensacola:
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
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,530. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Pensacola average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Pensacola homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Pensacola, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in West Pensacola 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does West Pensacola have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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.