Best Solar Companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL

We compared 9 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Pro install
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,085)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Our top solar company picks for Fort Lauderdale

    • Our pick for professional installation: Sunrun
    • Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    To choose the top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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    The best solar companies in Fort Lauderdale

    Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Fort Lauderdale residents’ energy needs, considering the tropical rainforest climate.

    Our pick for professional installation
    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a recent two-year period, the majority (77%) were satisfied with their installations, and many told us about significant savings on electric bills. We also like that Sunrun’s leasing plan makes it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

    • “Everything went very smoothly when I enrolled with Sunrun. Everything was good with the installation and I was very satisfied with where everything went. I loved going solar and I'm thrilled. I have recommended Sunrun to a few people who've asked about it. … I don't know why more people in Florida don't do this.” — Jodi in Fort Lauderdale

    Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

    Pros

    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Occasional billing issues
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    ShopSolar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018

    ShopSolar offers fast delivery on equipment for DIY projects. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup. We also like that it has free shipping on all solar kits, a price match guarantee and lifetime customer support.

    • “I was looking for a solar generator. Did quite a bit of research online. Shop Solar came up with the best price. The product was received as expected and it's been great so far. It's like a gas generator. It has a battery on board. It's about the size of a lunch box and you can power laptops, 124-volt devices for an extended period of time without having an outlet next to you.” — Khristopher in Davie

    Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
    • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

    Pros

    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support

    Cons

    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

    How we chose the best solar companies in Fort Lauderdale

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Fort Lauderdale based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in Fort Lauderdale Buyers guide

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      Fort Lauderdale solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Fort Lauderdale residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $26,265 in Fort Lauderdale.

      Jump to insight

      On average, Fort Lauderdale homeowners with solar panels avoid $42,273 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Jump to insight

      Make sure your solar installation has hurricane-resistant mounting and anchoring techniques.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Fort Lauderdale

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Fort Lauderdale are comparable, ranging from $8,560 to $24,456.

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar battery, which is sometimes as much as the panels ($7,000 to $18,000). A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. The average Fort Lauderdale household needs a system with a capacity of 11.37 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Fort Lauderdale

      Is solar worth it in Fort Lauderdale?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. For Brigitte in Weston, solar is worth it to “cut out FPL and save money.”

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      On average, Fort Lauderdale homeowners with solar panels can avoid $42,273 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and con

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Fort Lauderdale

      Common solar scams are related to misleading contract terms and over-promised savings, according to the Florida Attorney General. In our experience, the best solar companies in Florida have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Solar companies must apply for panel certification through Florida Solar Energy Center’s Photovoltaic Certification Portal, and you can confirm registrations through the FSEC’s Registered PV Modules page. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How can I pay for solar panels? 

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • RenewPACE financing is a Florida Green Authority and Renew Financial program that provides 100% financing for energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses in Fort Lauderdale. How much you can borrow depends on your property equity. The loan is repaid through property taxes over five to 20 years.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Solar incentives in Fort Lauderdale

      Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida, including a sales tax exemption and property tax abatement. As of publishing, Broward County does not have any additional financial incentives for residents going solar.

      Federal solar tax credit

      The federal solar investment tax credit is the best incentive for most homeowners in Fort Lauderdale. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000.

      Additional solar incentives in Fort Lauderdale

      Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Florida.

      Fort Lauderdale solar FAQ

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Fort Lauderdale?

      A permit is mandatory for any solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation in Fort Lauderdale. All building projects in Florida over $2,500 must also submit a Notice of Commencement outlining the scope of their home improvements.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Florida’s Solar Rights Act protects homeowners’ ability to install solar panels. HOAs can offer placement suggestions, but only within 45 degrees of due south and without affecting energy output.

      How does net metering work in Fort Lauderdale?

      Net metering lets you earn credits for sending excess solar energy into the Florida Power & Light grid. Some residents accumulate enough credits to almost fully cancel out their electric bills. However, Florida is gradually decreasing the value of net metering credits. From January 2024 to December 2025, residents will earn a 75% energy usage credit for their excess energy production. These rates decrease to 60% in 2026 and 50% in subsequent years. So, the sooner you get started, the better.

      » GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024

      Can I get solar panels for free in Fort Lauderdale?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Fort Lauderdale. You can lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. If you have a lot of shading around your house, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

      • What is the size and angle of my roof? Fort Lauderdale (and the rest of the Sunshine State) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
      • What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.
      How long do solar panel installations take in Fort Lauderdale?

      Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system.

      How are solar costs trending?

      Solar panel costs in Florida have fallen 47% over the last 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

      Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?

      It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Fort Lauderdale

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Fort Lauderdale customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Sunrun
      • ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Florida Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Florida." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Fort Lauderdale, FL." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Florida Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Florida, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency "Solar for All." Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Federal Trade Commission, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        8. Solar and Energy Loan Fund, "Solar Products." Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
        9. FSEC, "Solar Certification." Accessed Aug. 15, 2024.
        10. The Florida Senate, "Net Metering." Accessed Aug. 15, 2024.
        11. Florida PACE Funding Agency, "About Florida PACE." Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.

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