Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL (2023 Update)
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Solar Installation Cost: $9,524
- 25-Year Savings: $19,635
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea generally cost about 2.53. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,528, or $13,625 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,427 |
| 3 years | $-9,232 |
| 5 years | $-9,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,844 |
| 9 years | $-8,649 |
| 11 years | $-8,455 |
| 13 years | $-8,260 |
| 15 years | $-8,066 |
| 17 years | $-7,872 |
| 19 years | $-7,677 |
| 21 years | $-7,483 |
| 23 years | $-7,288 |
| 25 years | $-7,094 |
Top Solar Installers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed 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
See all of the solar companies in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $21,481 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $28,925 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $36,510 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $44,237 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $52,106 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $60,117 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $68,269 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $76,562 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
The average cost of solar panels in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 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 use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.