Best 5 Solar Companies in Riviera Beach, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Riviera Beach

The cost and performance of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Riviera Beach

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Riviera Beach homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,050 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Riviera Beach

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, solar leases, cash payments and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving 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) allows you to 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 solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.