Best 5 Solar Companies in Ocala, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Ocala

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

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. 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 certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Ocala

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Ocala. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Ocala solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Ocala

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.