Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orlando, FL (2024 Update)
- Orlando Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $21,207
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orlando
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Orlando.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Orlando, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Orlando homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,301 with the federal tax credit, or $17,590 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Orlando based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Orlando see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Orlando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,663 |
| 3 years | $-7,388 |
| 5 years | $-4,113 |
| 7 years | $-837 |
| 9 years | $2,438 |
| 11 years | $5,713 |
| 13 years | $8,988 |
| 15 years | $12,264 |
| 17 years | $15,539 |
| 19 years | $18,814 |
| 21 years | $22,090 |
| 23 years | $25,365 |
| 25 years | $28,640 |
Top Solar Installers in Orlando
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Orlando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orlando
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orlando average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Orlando have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $19,847 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,823 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,978 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,312 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,827 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $56,521 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $64,395 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $72,449 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Orlando, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orlando?
The average cost of solar panels in Orlando 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orlando?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Orlando. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Orlando?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of 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 goes down 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.