Best 5 Solar Companies in West Palm Beach, FL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Palm Beach

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider all of these criteria in your business search.

The style of solar panels you choose decides how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels cost the most but perform the best. 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 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. By selecting the right ones, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that has them if it's important for you.

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 tests 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 certifications. Two of the most recognized 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.

Financing Options

Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. 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 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 particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.