Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winter Park, FL (Mar 2023)
- Winter Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,687
- 25-Year Savings: $20,889
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winter Park
We break down average solar pricing in Winter Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winter Park, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.53 per watt. Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Winter Park, the average price of going solar will be about $9,687 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind 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 use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Winter Park homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Winter Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winter Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,464 |
| 3 years | $-6,018 |
| 5 years | $-3,572 |
| 7 years | $-1,126 |
| 9 years | $1,320 |
| 11 years | $3,766 |
| 13 years | $6,212 |
| 15 years | $8,658 |
| 17 years | $11,104 |
| 19 years | $13,551 |
| 21 years | $15,997 |
| 23 years | $18,443 |
| 25 years | $20,889 |
Top Solar Installers in Winter Park
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Winter Park: 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 panel system in Winter Park, one of the most crucial 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,530 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Winter Park homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 (coming 2022)
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.