Best 5 Solar Companies in Palm Bay, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Palm Bay

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. 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 pass 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. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Palm Bay

The type of solar panels you purchase decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Palm Bay

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to 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. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A team member 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 Palm Bay.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.