Best 5 Solar Companies in Gainesville, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gainesville

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville

The style of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Gainesville. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Gainesville

Choosing the right financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Ask each company you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.