Best 5 Solar Companies in Apopka, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Apopka

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can pass two exams to earn a CV license with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Apopka

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

A majority of Apopka homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,050 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Apopka

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Apopka.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.