Best 5 Solar Companies in Lehigh Acres, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lehigh Acres

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Consider each of these elements in your service provider search.

The kind of solar panels you choose determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall investment. By choosing the right ones, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar installer offers these additional features, so look for a company that has them if it's crucial 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 pass two tests 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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.

Financing Options

Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.