Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winter Park, FL (2023 Update)
- Winter Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,695
- 25-Year Savings: $20,881
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winter Park
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Winter Park.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winter Park generally cost about 2.53. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $9,687 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Winter Park based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Winter Park can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Winter Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,035 |
| 3 years | $-4,715 |
| 5 years | $-1,396 |
| 7 years | $1,924 |
| 9 years | $5,244 |
| 11 years | $8,564 |
| 13 years | $11,884 |
| 15 years | $15,204 |
| 17 years | $18,523 |
| 19 years | $21,843 |
| 21 years | $25,163 |
| 23 years | $28,483 |
| 25 years | $31,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Winter Park
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winter Park
Though the average cost of a solar system in Winter Park is $9,687, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,460 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $30,231 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $38,142 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $46,196 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $54,391 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $62,728 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $71,207 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $79,827 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Winter Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Park, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winter Park?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Winter Park have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.