The 5 Best Solar Companies in Florida for 2024 (Expert Reviewed)
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We recommend SunPower for Florida homeowners because of the company’s wide range of solar services, the many ways customer service provides support, and the system performance warranty. Florida is known for its abundant sunshine, making it ideal for solar panels. Installing a solar system with energy storage can also provide backup power during the state’s active hurricane season.
Our team spent more than 300 hours researching top-rated solar companies nationally and locally, reviewing product selections, customer reviews, pricing, and other essential factors. We’ve selected the top solar companies in Florida, plus provided advice on finding the right installer for your needs.
Compare Solar Companies in Florida
| Company | Star Rating | Warranties | Payment Options | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25–30 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE |
Florida’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies:
- SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Momentum: Best Solar Panel Installation
- Palmetto: Best Customer Support
- Freedom Solar Power: Most Experienced Regional Installer
Our Top Solar Company Picks for Florida
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System
Momentum
Best Installation Process
All BBB ratings are current as of March 2024.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florida?
When deciding whether to invest in solar panels, cost is a major factor. According to recent data, the average cost of a solar panel installation in Florida for an average home is $15,480. The good news for Florida homeowners is that this is less than the national average. Of course, many factors might affect the specific cost you will be charged and we cover that in depth in our article detailing solar panel cost in Florida.
Are There Solar Incentives Available in Florida?
Florida has several solar incentives to make the switch to clean energy more affordable. We’ve outlined the best incentives and credits below.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Although Florida’s state-based incentives are limited compared to other states, residents can use the federal solar tax credit. This incentive provides 30% off your solar panel installation costs in the form of a tax credit. The credit applies to various solar equipment, such as solar roofing and traditional rooftop panels. You can also receive credit for installing stand-alone solar batteries.
Net Metering
Solar customers can also benefit from the state’s net metering program. This program provides credits on your electricity bill when you send excess energy your system generates back to the grid. The Florida Public Utilities Commission (PUC) mandates net metering throughout the state and includes a full retail payback rate, meaning utility companies must pay for excess energy at the same rate they sell it to customers.
Other State-Specific Incentives
Though installing a solar system increases your home value, Florida residents don’t have to worry about increased property taxes. Florida’s Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property policy prevents you from paying additional property tax after installing a new solar system.
Florida also offers the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption, which protects residents from being charged sales tax on solar products. Residents should check with their local electric cooperatives or city utility companies for additional rebates to offset Florida solar panel system costs.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Keep the following factors in mind when comparing solar companies.
Solar Services
Solar companies use in-house teams or third-party contractors to complete their projects. In-house teams offer better communication, quality control, and efficiency. Third-party installers have varied installation quality and require contact with an external project manager. We recommend working with solar companies that offer in-house installers.
Look for solar installers with additional solar services, such as energy efficiency audits, dedicated mobile apps, and system monitoring. Audits help prepare your home for a solar system and boost its energy-saving potential. Apps and system monitoring offer insight into your panel performance and provide early alerts for technical issues.
Warranties
Solar system warranties vary between companies but last between 10 and 25 years. Since most panels last about 25 years or longer, you should find companies that provide the same coverage length. Most companies offer the following warranties:
- Manufacturer (or product) warranty: Protects your system against manufacturer-related defects and issues.
- Workmanship (or labor) warranty: Protects against problems caused by faulty or poor installation.
Some companies also offer power production guarantees, providing coverage for your panels’ performance over time. Solar panels gradually decrease in efficiency as they age. A power production guarantee clearly outlines this expected degradation and offers guaranteed performance. If panels fall below these outlined levels, companies will repair or replace them or provide monetary compensation.
Payment Options
Most companies offer customers two or more solar panel financing options. The most common include up-front (or cash) payments and solar loans. Both options offer the best return on investment (ROI) and qualify you for most solar incentives. Other options, such as solar leases, offer limited financial benefits and only work for customers uninterested in owning their panels. Florida is one of the few states that doesn’t offer power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Customer Support
Look for solar installers with multiple contact methods, such as email, online form, or phone. Some companies offer online chat as a communication solution, though we’ve seen mixed results with this option. While secret shopping, we noticed some chats use autogenerated responses while others connect to live representatives. Additional content methods include SMS messaging and in-app communication with technical support.
How To Obtain a Solar Quote in Florida
Below is a step-by-step guide to getting a solar quote for your Florida home. We’ve built this guide based on our team’s shopping experience and after speaking with solar experts. We recommend getting multiple quotes from solar companies to find the best options.
- Contact each company: Start the process by visiting each solar company’s website. Many companies have online forms or a dedicated phone number for quotes. You might find online calculators that give basic audit information before speaking with a representative. When we called, we spoke with two representatives before starting the quote process.
- Schedule a consultation: You’ll schedule a virtual or in-person consultation with a company salesperson. For virtual calls, ensure your smartphone, tablet, or computer meets the system requirements and download any necessary video call software.
- Gather your energy bills: During your consultation, the company rep will review your utility bills to determine your energy needs. Depending on the company, you may need several months of energy information.
- Assess your roof space: Companies use different methods to check your available roof space and design. In-person consultants will measure your roof and account for complex designs or elements, such as chimneys and skylights. During virtual consultations, the rep will use satellite imagery to assess your roof design and build your solar project.
- Create your solar project: The solar company will build your system after completing the assessments. During this step, you can choose your solar panel type, brand, components, and upgrades such as solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Your company may also have solar shingles, tiles, or ground-mount systems options.
- Review the final quote and contract: You’ll receive a finalized quote with all included equipment, pricing, and warranty coverage. Your quote will also have financing options, such as cash payment, loans, or leases. Some solar companies also offer assistance with solar incentive applications to ensure you receive all added savings with your system purchase.
Find Solar Installers in Your City
Our Conclusion
We chose SunPower as our primary pick for Florida solar installers. The company offers the best solar energy system protections, with coverage lasting 25 years. In addition, you’ll get the added power production guarantee with additional monetary compensation for poor panel performance.
We recommend requesting free quotes from at least three providers to find the right fit for your home.
Other Florida Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in FL
Is solar worth it in Florida?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in Florida due to the state’s abundant sunlight and available solar incentives. Pairing solar power with energy storage can help power Florida homes through power outages caused by weather emergencies. In addition, moving to renewable energy helps reduce energy costs, leading to long-term savings.
How much does solar cost in Florida?
By installing a solar power system with a battery unit, homeowners can use stored solar energy and keep the power on in their homes during outages. In addition, residents can choose which appliances will receive priority with the stored power (e.g., keeping your fridge or freezer connected to keep food from spoiling).
Florida solar costs an average of $2.53 per watt, based on cost data from EcoWatch. If we apply this cost information to an average 5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) system, Florida residents would pay $12,650 before using any solar incentives, credits, or rebates.
What is the largest solar company in Florida?
SunPower is the largest national solar provider covering all 50 states. Other regional and local Florida-based installers, such as Unicity Solar, Solar Bear, and Solar-Ray, offer coverage throughout the state.
Why does Florida not offer power purchase agreements (PPAs)?
Florida doesn’t permit PPAs due to State Statute 366.02 placing strict regulations on any entity selling electricity, such as solar developers. These regulations include expensive administrative costs and complicated restrictions that make it too difficult to offer PPAs.
Does Florida have a solar tax credit?
No, Florida doesn’t have its own solar tax credit. However, residents can apply for the federal solar tax credit, which lets homeowners deduct 30% of their solar system installation costs from their federal taxes.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
