Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lauderdale, FL (2024 Update)
- Fort Lauderdale Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $19,942
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lauderdale
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fort Lauderdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Lauderdale it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fort Lauderdale is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,084 for a solar installation, or $17,280 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Lauderdale homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lauderdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,710 |
| 3 years | $-7,963 |
| 5 years | $-5,216 |
| 7 years | $-2,469 |
| 9 years | $279 |
| 11 years | $3,026 |
| 13 years | $5,773 |
| 15 years | $8,520 |
| 17 years | $11,268 |
| 19 years | $14,015 |
| 21 years | $16,762 |
| 23 years | $19,509 |
| 25 years | $22,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lauderdale
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Fort Lauderdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lauderdale
For many Fort Lauderdale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Lauderdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 require 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 brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Lauderdale provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Lauderdale is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,853 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,498 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,321 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,325 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,508 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,871 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $61,414 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $69,137 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- 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 component breaking or the company going 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Lauderdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Lauderdale 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fort Lauderdale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Lauderdale. 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 going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.