Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westchase, FL (2024 Update)
- Westchase Solar Installation Cost: $12,394
- 25-Year Savings: $20,910
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westchase
We go over average solar pricing in Westchase.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westchase it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Westchase, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,394, or $17,723 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Westchase for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westchase
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,619 |
| 3 years | $-7,070 |
| 5 years | $-3,520 |
| 7 years | $30 |
| 9 years | $3,579 |
| 11 years | $7,129 |
| 13 years | $10,678 |
| 15 years | $14,228 |
| 17 years | $17,777 |
| 19 years | $21,327 |
| 21 years | $24,877 |
| 23 years | $28,426 |
| 25 years | $31,976 |
Top Solar Installers in Westchase
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Westchase, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westchase
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westchase
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Westchase: 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 energy system in Westchase, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Westchase average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westchase have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Westchase’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Westchase are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $19,351 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,160 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,150 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,319 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,668 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $55,197 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $62,905 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $70,794 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Westchase, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westchase?
The average cost of solar panels in Westchase 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.