Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winter Haven, FL (2024 Update)
- Winter Haven Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
- 25-Year Savings: $20,002
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winter Haven
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Winter Haven.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winter Haven, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Winter Haven homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,358 with the federal tax credit, or $17,672 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Winter Haven based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Winter Haven can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Winter Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,747 |
| 3 years | $-7,524 |
| 5 years | $-4,301 |
| 7 years | $-1,079 |
| 9 years | $2,144 |
| 11 years | $5,367 |
| 13 years | $8,589 |
| 15 years | $11,812 |
| 17 years | $15,035 |
| 19 years | $18,258 |
| 21 years | $21,480 |
| 23 years | $24,703 |
| 25 years | $27,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Winter Haven
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Winter Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winter Haven
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Winter Haven: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Winter Haven, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Winter Haven to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Winter Haven homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Winter Haven is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $18,425 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $24,926 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,607 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,468 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,508 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,728 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,128 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,708 | 9.3 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 a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Winter Haven, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winter Haven?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Winter Haven, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.