Best 5 Solar Companies in Jacksonville, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Jacksonville

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Consider all of these elements in your contractor search.

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. The Sunshine State 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 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 Jacksonville

The style of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

You can plan to spend about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Jacksonville. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Jacksonville solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Jacksonville

Choosing the ideal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement 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 suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, 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.