Best 5 Solar Companies in Sanford, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Sanford

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to bear 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 accreditations. Two of the most respected 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 Sanford

The style of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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 performance. Not all solar companies offer these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Sanford. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Sanford

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.