Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood Lakes, FL (2024 Update)

  • Westwood Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $12,014
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,689
  • Payback Period: 10.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood Lakes

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Westwood Lakes.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westwood Lakes it’s 3 per watt.The average Westwood Lakes homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,014 with the federal tax credit, or $17,180 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westwood Lakes find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Westwood Lakes that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Westwood Lakes

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,641
3 years $-7,894
5 years $-5,146
7 years $-2,399
9 years $348
11 years $3,095
13 years $5,843
15 years $8,590
17 years $11,337
19 years $14,084
21 years $16,832
23 years $19,579
25 years $22,326

Top Solar Installers in Westwood Lakes

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Westwood Lakes:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Westwood Lakes

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood Lakes

The cost of installing a solar system in Westwood Lakes can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westwood Lakes to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Westwood Lakes homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 panel companies operating in Westwood Lakes, and each can charge different amounts 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $3.34 $14,021 $18,699 10.7 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $25,291 10.5 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $32,063 10.3 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $39,015 10.1 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $46,147 9.9 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $53,459 9.7 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $60,950 9.5 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $68,621 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Westwood Lakes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Westwood Lakes, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westwood Lakes?

The average cost of solar panels in Westwood Lakes 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 Westwood Lakes?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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