Best 5 Solar Companies in Palm Bay, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Palm Bay

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar installer.

The type of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not every solar provider provides these extras, 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 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. 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.

Financing Options

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. We recommend making a cash payment or using 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 incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good 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 pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. 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.