Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plantation, FL (2024 Update)
- Plantation Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $19,635
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plantation
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Plantation.
In Plantation, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Plantation is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,084 for a solar installation, or $17,280 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plantation find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Plantation for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plantation
| 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 Plantation
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Plantation homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Plantation, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $18,511 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,041 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,750 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,640 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,709 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $52,957 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,386 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $67,994 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Plantation?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.