Best 5 Solar Companies in Cape Coral, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cape Coral

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Consider all of these aspects in your service provider search.

Your solar modules' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 project price, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar installer includes these add-ons, so look for a company that has them if it's a priority for you.

Licensing and Training

Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can take 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 companies can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Financing Options

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.