Best 5 Solar Companies in North Fort Myers, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in North Fort Myers

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious 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 North Fort Myers

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of North Fort Myers homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,050 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in North Fort Myers

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, cash payments and solar leases. 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 solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.