Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southwest Ranches, FL (2024 Update)

  • Southwest Ranches Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,017
  • Payback Period: 9.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southwest Ranches

We break down average solar pricing in Southwest Ranches.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southwest Ranches, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Southwest Ranches, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,084, or $17,280 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Southwest Ranches homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Southwest Ranches

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 Southwest Ranches

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Southwest Ranches

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwest Ranches

The cost of installing a solar system in Southwest Ranches can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,210 per kilowatt in Southwest Ranches.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southwest Ranches to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $20,053 10.3 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $27,096 10.1 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $34,320 9.9 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $41,723 9.7 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $49,306 9.5 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $57,069 9.3 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $65,012 9.1 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $73,134 8.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Southwest Ranches, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Southwest Ranches, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southwest Ranches?

The average cost of solar panels in Southwest Ranches 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southwest Ranches?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Southwest Ranches?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 account for 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.

Follow us