Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winter Park, FL (2024 Update)
- Winter Park Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $20,881
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winter Park
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Winter Park.
In Winter Park, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $12,301 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Winter Park depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Winter Park for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winter Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,641 |
| 3 years | $-7,321 |
| 5 years | $-4,001 |
| 7 years | $-682 |
| 9 years | $2,638 |
| 11 years | $5,958 |
| 13 years | $9,278 |
| 15 years | $12,598 |
| 17 years | $15,918 |
| 19 years | $19,237 |
| 21 years | $22,557 |
| 23 years | $25,877 |
| 25 years | $29,197 |
Top Solar Installers in Winter Park
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winter Park
While the average cost of a solar system in Winter Park is $12,301, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,210. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Winter Park, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Winter Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Winter Park, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Winter Park know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 end up saving you 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 | $19,490 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,346 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,382 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $40,598 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $47,994 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $55,569 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $63,324 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $71,259 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Park, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winter Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Winter Park 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Winter Park is currently $447,317, so you can expect a value of about $18,340 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Winter Park is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Winter Park?
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 higher amount 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.