Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hernando, FL (2024 Update)
- Hernando Solar Installation Cost: $12,573
- 25-Year Savings: $23,670
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hernando
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hernando.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hernando it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $12,573 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Hernando homeowner can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Hernando, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hernando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,798 |
| 3 years | $-7,248 |
| 5 years | $-3,699 |
| 7 years | $-149 |
| 9 years | $3,400 |
| 11 years | $6,950 |
| 13 years | $10,499 |
| 15 years | $14,049 |
| 17 years | $17,599 |
| 19 years | $21,148 |
| 21 years | $24,698 |
| 23 years | $28,247 |
| 25 years | $31,797 |
Top Solar Installers in Hernando
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar 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
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 Hernando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hernando
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Hernando: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Hernando, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $21,987 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $29,675 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $37,543 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $45,591 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $53,819 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $62,226 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $70,813 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $79,580 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Hernando, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hernando?
The average cost of solar panels in Hernando 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hernando, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Hernando?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.