Best 5 Solar Companies in Oakland Park, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Oakland Park

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Consider all of these aspects in your business 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 tests 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland Park

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Oakland Park homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,050 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Oakland Park

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to 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 business you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.