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 June 24, 2024

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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.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southwest Ranches it’s 3 per watt.The average Southwest Ranches homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,084 with the federal tax credit, or $17,280 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Southwest Ranches can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Southwest Ranches for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Southwest Ranches

YearReturn 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

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Southwest Ranches

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwest Ranches

For many Southwest Ranches homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southwest Ranches, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,210. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southwest Ranches average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Southwest Ranches have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Southwest Ranches is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.34$14,021$20,05310.3 years
8 kW$3.27$18,336$27,09610.1 years
10 kW$3.21$22,470$34,3209.9 years
12 kW$3.15$26,425$41,7239.7 years
14 kW$3.08$30,200$49,3069.5 years
16 kW$3.02$33,795$57,0699.3 years
18 kW$2.95$37,210$65,0129.1 years
20 kW$2.89$40,446$73,1348.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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 how long the project will take.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts 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 indication of a good company.

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southwest Ranches?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

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

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.