Best 5 Solar Companies in Palm Harbor, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Palm Harbor

The more informed your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. 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 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. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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 Harbor

The type of solar panels you choose determines how much energy 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider offers these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Palm Harbor and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $16,050 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Palm Harbor

Solar companies 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, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel 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 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 fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend 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 an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.