Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lauderdale Lakes, FL (2023 Update)
- Lauderdale Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $9,528
- 25-Year Savings: $19,631
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lauderdale Lakes
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Lauderdale Lakes.
The average cost of solar panels in Lauderdale Lakes is 2.53 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lauderdale Lakes, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,528, or $13,625 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lauderdale Lakes depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Lauderdale Lakes homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lauderdale Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,362 |
| 3 years | $-6,029 |
| 5 years | $-3,696 |
| 7 years | $-1,364 |
| 9 years | $969 |
| 11 years | $3,302 |
| 13 years | $5,635 |
| 15 years | $7,967 |
| 17 years | $10,300 |
| 19 years | $12,633 |
| 21 years | $14,965 |
| 23 years | $17,298 |
| 25 years | $19,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Lauderdale Lakes
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lauderdale Lakes
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lauderdale Lakes, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lauderdale Lakes is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Lauderdale Lakes have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Lakes, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lauderdale Lakes?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lauderdale Lakes?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lauderdale Lakes, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.