Best 5 Solar Companies in Port Charlotte, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Port Charlotte

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

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. The Sunshine State 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 credentials. 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.

Cost of Solar Panels in Port Charlotte

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.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that installs 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 Port Charlotte. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Port Charlotte solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Port Charlotte

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. We recommend paying with cash 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

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