Best 5 Solar Companies in Miami Gardens, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Miami Gardens

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

The type of solar panels you select decides how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power. 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.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. These will increase your total project price, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar installer provides these additional features, so look for a company that has them if it's important 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 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 credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.