Best 5 Solar Companies in The Villages, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in The Villages

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to keep in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in The Villages

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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in The Villages. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in The Villages

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from 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 advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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