Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Pensacola, FL (2024 Update)
- West Pensacola Solar Installation Cost: $13,072
- 25-Year Savings: $30,909
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Pensacola
We break down average solar pricing in West Pensacola.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Pensacola, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Pensacola is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,072 for a solar installation, or $18,693 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Pensacola based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in West Pensacola for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Pensacola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,313 |
| 3 years | $-7,794 |
| 5 years | $-4,276 |
| 7 years | $-757 |
| 9 years | $2,761 |
| 11 years | $6,280 |
| 13 years | $9,798 |
| 15 years | $13,317 |
| 17 years | $16,835 |
| 19 years | $20,354 |
| 21 years | $23,872 |
| 23 years | $27,391 |
| 25 years | $30,909 |
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 be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Pensacola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Pensacola
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Pensacola: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in West Pensacola, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Pensacola have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Pensacola is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due 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 down 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 | $22,941 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $30,947 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $39,133 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $47,499 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $56,045 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $64,770 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $73,675 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $82,760 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Pensacola, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pensacola, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Pensacola?
The average cost of solar panels in West Pensacola is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Pensacola?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Pensacola. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does West Pensacola have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.