Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lauderdale, FL (2023 Update)
- Fort Lauderdale Solar Installation Cost: $9,528
- 25-Year Savings: $19,938
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lauderdale
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Lauderdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fort Lauderdale is 2.53 per watt. The average Fort Lauderdale homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,528 with the federal tax credit, or $13,625 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Fort Lauderdale homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company 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 | $-8,349 |
| 3 years | $-5,992 |
| 5 years | $-3,635 |
| 7 years | $-1,278 |
| 9 years | $1,080 |
| 11 years | $3,437 |
| 13 years | $5,794 |
| 15 years | $8,151 |
| 17 years | $10,509 |
| 19 years | $12,866 |
| 21 years | $15,223 |
| 23 years | $17,581 |
| 25 years | $19,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lauderdale
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Fort Lauderdale:
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 Fort Lauderdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lauderdale
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Lauderdale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,530 per kilowatt in Fort Lauderdale. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fort Lauderdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Fort Lauderdale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,824 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $29,382 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $37,081 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,923 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,906 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $61,030 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $69,297 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $77,705 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Fort Lauderdale, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Lauderdale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Lauderdale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fort Lauderdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fort Lauderdale?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 opt to 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.