Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plantation, FL (2023 Update)
- Plantation Solar Installation Cost: $9,528
- 25-Year Savings: $19,631
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plantation
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Plantation.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plantation, the average cost of a solar system is 2.53 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $9,528 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Plantation based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity 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 Plantation
| 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 Plantation
DIY 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 company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Plantation:
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 Plantation
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plantation
For many Plantation homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plantation, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
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 crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Plantation homeowners, they can also raise 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
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Plantation, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in Plantation, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Plantation, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plantation?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plantation?
A solar panel system isn't free in Plantation, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Plantation have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy 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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.