Home Improvement Ideas Green Living Eco-Friendly Homes A Guide to the Best Solar Companies for Florida Residents Tesla Solar offers price matching and boasts the most attractive panels. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Twitter Stefanie is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor who covers architecture and design, home, travel, and science. She was formerly on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company. Her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Apartment Therapy, Popular Science, Galerie, and Hunker, among others. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 23, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Juan Silva / Getty Images Anyone who's ever been to Florida—or who's familiar with its nickname—knows there's no shortage of sunshine in the southeastern state. But did you know residents can harness that light to reduce their energy costs and boost the value of their home? Solar panels (and sometimes entire solar roofs) are provided by many solar companies throughout Florida, and picking the right one for your home can be a difficult decision. It can be difficult to comb through the details and specifics of many solar companies that operate in Florida, especially ones that are best-suited for Floridians. Some are nationwide and others are confined to Florida and nearby states. Hurricanes are also an important factor when considering any type of home addition in Florida; high winds can tear apart your roof, including solar panels, so storm-proofing is important to consider. What to Know Before Going Solar at Home to Save Money (and the Planet) While solar panels are not exactly the prettiest home adornments, some brands have sleeker models than others, which may look better (read: less intrusive) on your house. Solar panels can also be expensive, cost being one of the biggest barriers preventing potential customers from making the jump to renewable energy. Beyond the price of the quote, the panels themselves, and the installation, you’ll want to investigate the payment options, too, including leasing and loans. As with any company, there is also customer service to consider. Nobody wants to commit a large sum of money to a solar company that seems to be perpetually unavailable. Of course, what you want from a solar company will often depend on your needs (like the number of panels to power your home), budget, and preferences. To that end, we’ve researched these companies thoroughly to provide insight into strengths, weaknesses, and specialized services. These companies are selected as the very best in a variety of categories, in an effort to make your entry into the world of solar energy as easy and well-informed as possible. Here's How Much You Can Save by Switching to Solar and Wind Power Best Solar Companies in Florida in 2023 Best Overall: Tesla Solar Best Budget: Blue Raven Solar Best Local: Goldin Solar Best Energy Efficiency: SunPower Best Protection: ADT Solar Best Customer Service: Momentum Solar Best for Solar Pool Heaters: Solar Source Best Overall: Tesla Solar Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteries, solar roofWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 2006 Pros & Cons Pros Price matching keeps costs reasonable Offers panel and roof installation Has an easy-to-use mobile app Cons Services not available in all ZIP codes Limited to four panel sizes Why It Made the List Although it’s a relatively young company, Tesla Solar stands out as the best of all solar companies. It has a robust 25-year warranty that ensures your equipment stays operational for quite some time. And the solar panels are easy to operate through Tesla’s mobile app, which allows customers to manage and monitor everything from their phones. The company offers both solar panels built onto existing roofs and entire solar roofs, as well as a solar battery called the Powerwall that stores solar energy for dark days (literally, when the power goes out). The company also provides free quotes online that are easy and quick to obtain. And beyond that, it offers an unsurpassed price match program that keeps costs highly competitive. With all of these factors, Tesla has cemented itself as one of the best in the solar business. But the one extra cherry on the solar sundae is its sleek design that actually makes your roof look cool and futuristic rather than an eyesore like some solar panels do. There are a couple of possible downsides to the company. Although Tesla Solar is available in Florida, it may not necessarily be available in every single ZIP code. You’ll have to check on the company’s website to ensure you’re within Tesla’s service area. Tesla also offers only four size options for its solar panels. While we wish there were more to accommodate different roof sizes, shapes, and needs, these are still some of the best-looking panels on the market, so it’s hard to complain too much. When considering all of Tesla Solar’s benefits, from cost to design to its warranty, it was a clear winner for the best overall solar company in the state of Florida. Best Budget: Blue Raven Solar Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panelsWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 2014 Pros & Cons Pros Payments can be delayed for 18 months Offers online estimates Offers a 25-year warranty guarantee for panels Cons There’s no leasing of solar panels, only purchasing Has a limited range of products Why It Made the List Cost is one of the biggest barriers to converting potential solar customers, but Blue Raven has found a way to cater to skeptics looking to justify the expense of switching to renewable energy. Blue Raven Solar’s financial programs are designed to make paying for solar panels as affordable and hassle-free as possible. The company offers a BluePower Plus loan that begins with 18 free months of solar panels—no upfront costs as you begin to save money on your energy bills. The company also has a SmartStart promotion that offers additional discounts. Once the first free 18 months have passed, you’ll begin paying off the solar panels, and once the final payment is made, you’ll own them. Of course, some may prefer to lease their solar panels, which, unfortunately, is not currently an option at Blue Raven Solar. Nonetheless, most homeowners would probably be comfortable with investing in panels that will, in the long run, reduce energy costs and increase the value of their home. Blue Raven only offers solar panels, so those seeking additional solar products, such as solar pool heaters that are popular in Florida, will have to shop elsewhere. Best Local: Goldin Solar Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteriesWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 2014 Pros & Cons Pros Specializes in servicing Florida Solar panels are built to withstand hurricanes Does not use any subcontractors Cons Some customers report scheduling issues Does not lease solar panels Why It Made the List Goldin Solar is a Florida-based company with one important local feature: It specifically designs its solar panels to withstand hurricanes. All Goldin solar panels are constructed according to local building codes, which means they can withstand up to 175 mph winds—that’s well above the threshold of the sustained winds of a Category 5 hurricane. The railings used to mount the solar panels are also installed in such a way as to create a cross-bracing effect that contributes to the overall safety of your home. In other words, installing Goldin’s solar panels might actually make your roof more structurally sound than before. This unique feature of panel construction makes Goldin our top choice for local, Florida-based solar companies. Plus, aside from its hurricane-resistant panels, Goldin can also install Tesla Powerwall batteries as backup power if you lose electricity during a storm. Online reviews indicate some Goldin Solar customers were dissatisfied with scheduling, but overall, the reviews were still strong. Plus, Goldin does not use subcontractors but rather keeps the work in-house. One thing to note is that Goldin does not lease solar panels, so you’ll have to buy them. Best Energy Efficiency: SunPower SunPower Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteries, electric vehicle chargersWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 1985 Pros & Cons Pros Lease plans are available Is the most experienced company on this list Offers design-forward panels Cons Panels can be pricier than some competitors May not be available in every Florida zip code Why It Made the List SunPower is a trailblazer in the solar industry. The company has accrued nearly four decades of experience designing, selling, and installing solar panels. Perhaps as a result, SunPower has cracked the code for developing the most energy-efficient panels on the market. The company’s M-series panels reach up to 22.8% efficiency; SunPower’s highly efficient solar panels mean you won’t need as many of them to produce enough electricity for your household, and you’ll save more money on energy bills. Of course, the one downside is that these uber-efficient panels will cost more upfront. SunPower does a great job customizing its panels to suit the specifics of your home, and the panels themselves are aesthetically pleasing. Once the panels are installed, you can monitor their productivity through Sunpower’s Hub+ technology and also through the helpful mobile app. In addition to installing panels, SunPower can also install electric vehicle chargers. Best Protection: ADT Solar Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteries, electric vehicle chargersWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 2008 Pros & Cons Pros Warranty is more comprehensive than many competitors In-house roofing division solves any installation issues Three different financing options allow for payment flexibility Cons No in-house financing Some customers report poor customer service Why It Made the List Once known as Sunpro Solar before being acquired by ADT Home Security in 2021, ADT Solar offers hands down the best warranty guarantee in the industry. While ADT’s warranty, like most solar company warranties, lasts for 25 years, it goes above and beyond by covering the solar panels themselves, the installation process, and the expected productivity of the panels once installed. In other words, every step of the solar panel process is covered. Should your panels be less efficient than originally projected, ADT will reimburse you 10 cents per kilowatt-hour of the difference between the actual production and the projected production. Of course, you should always discuss the details of projected estimates with ADT to ensure you know what to expect. ADT has its own roofing division to help ensure your panel installation goes well. The company offers purchase, loan, and lease payment options to help make paying for panels as easy and convenient as possible. But notably, ADT does not offer any in-house financing. It also has a reputation among some customers for poor customer service communication, but the company earns high marks overall. Best Customer Service: Momentum Solar Momentum Solar Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteriesWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 2009 Pros & Cons Pros Offers unique concierge customer service Provides solar batteries in partnership with Enphase Is among the most experienced companies in the industry Cons Some customers report issues with scheduling Service may not be available in every Florida zip code Why It Made the List Momentum Solar stands out among its competitors for its unique and exceedingly helpful concierge service. While it sounds fancy, your concierge isn’t booking your dinner reservations at the hottest restaurant in town—this service just guarantees that you have one contact person throughout your entire solar panel experience. So whether you’re just starting to look into solar companies, in the middle of having panels installed on your roof, or inquiring about productivity years after the initial installation, you’ll always have one person you can get in touch with for answers and support. Considering that many larger companies have a tendency to pass customers from one contact to another, virtually guaranteeing that certain things are lost in the shuffle, it’s great to have a go-to person to see you through the solar panel process. Momentum is unique in offering this service, and its sale process gets high marks from customers as a result. Momentum has additional notable features, including its partnership with Enphase, which allows it to sell and install solar batteries. Momentum also offers a nice variety of solar panels, carrying different brands to give you options. It also helps make payments flexible, with the company being eager to help customers save money whenever possible. Although the company is generally available in Florida, we recommend checking with Momentum to ensure it services your address. Best for Solar Pool Heaters: Solar Source Get a Quote Key Specs Products Offered: Solar panels, solar batteries, solar pool heaters, solar roofs, solar hot water systemsWarranty: 25 yearsYears in Business: Since 1984 Pros & Cons Pros Is the most experienced solar company based in Florid Is the exclusive central Florida provider of Heliocol solar pool heater All technicians receive at least six months of training Cons Is not available everywhere in Florida One-year warranty on parts, panels, and labor Why It Made the List Solar Source is the best solar company in central Florida, specifically, although given that it’s not available in other parts of the state, it falls short of being the best local solar company overall. But if you’re in the Orlando or Tampa metropolitan areas, you may be in luck. Solar Source provides a wide range of solar products and services, perhaps the most unique of which is its solar pool heaters. Anyone who lives in Florida knows pools are a popular home amenity, and heating them can sometimes be a burden. (Even Florida gets chilly on occasion!) Solar Source makes it easy to harness the sunlight to help heat your pool, ensuring its temperature remains pleasant year-round. Solar Source also offers Tesla solar roofs, which replace your entire roof as opposed to just installing panels on your existing roof. And since hurricanes and other nasty weather hit Florida semi-regularly, Solar Source ensures that its panels and products are built to withstand mother nature’s worst. Solar Source does have one flaw, which is that while its warranty covers solar panel performance for 25 years (an industry standard), it only covers parts, panels, and labor for one year after installation is complete. Final Verdict While some Florida-based solar companies specialize in fortifying their panels against hurricane winds, ultimately, Tesla Solar’s overall offerings are too good to pass up as the best overall solar company in Florida. The company’s combination of reasonable price points, well-designed solar panels, multiple product options, solid warranty coverage, a convenient mobile app, and free online estimates is just about everything you’ll ever need in a solar company. It also should be mentioned that both Tesla solar panels and Tesla solar roofs withstood the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022. So whatever Tesla is doing when constructing its solar products, its methods have proved to be durable enough to survive Florida’s storms. While industry leader SunPower offers tough competition to Tesla Solar, Tesla’s ability to offer a price match guarantee helps ensure its costs are consistently reasonable. While some customers may decide they’d prefer SunPower’s pricier but more efficient panels, ultimately most consumers want the most cost-effective option, which is why Tesla was chosen as the best overall solar company in Florida. Compare the Best Solar Companies in Florida Company Service Area Products Offered Warranty Years in Business Finance Options Tesla Solar Best Overall Throughout Florida Solar panels, solar batteries, solar roof 25 years Since 2006 Purchase, loan Blue Raven Solar Best Budget Throughout Florida Solar panels 25 years Since 2014 Purchase, loan Goldin Solar Best Local Throughout Florida Solar panels, solar batteries 25 years Since 2014 Purchase, loan SunPower Best Energy Efficiency Throughout Florida Solar panels, solar batteries, EV chargers 25 years Since 1985 Purchase, lease ADT Solar Best Protection Throughout Florida Solar panels, solar batteries, EV chargers 25 years Since 2008 Purchase, loan, lease Momentum Solar Best Customer Service Throughout Florida Solar panels, solar batteries 25 years Since 2009 Purchase, loan, lease Solar Source Best for Solar Pool Heaters Tampa and Orlando metropolitan areas Solar panels, solar batteries, solar pool heaters, solar roofs, solar hot water systems 25 years Since 1984 Purchase, loan Benefits of Solar Energy There is enough sunlight hitting our planet’s surface every hour to power all of humanity’s energy needs for an entire year. But there are not enough devices to harness and store all of that energy. That’s where solar panels enter the picture. Solar panels, in a nutshell, convert sunlight to usable energy. But the benefits to your home, energy bills, and planet Earth at large are not always so obvious. These are the specifics of how solar energy can benefit your life and the world around you. Reduces Energy Costs Solar panels can reduce energy costs in your home long-term, the key word here being "long-term." You will not see instant financial benefits, as the cost of buying or leasing solar panels is substantial. But as monthly energy costs are reduced, you will eventually recoup your solar panel investments somewhere in the range of six to nine years after installation. So if you plan on settling into your home for at least a handful of years, installing solar panels makes sense financially if you can afford the initial cost of getting them installed. Increases the Value of Your Home The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discovered that home values tend to increase by around $20 for every $1 saved on home energy costs—like when installing solar panels. New homeowners will enjoy the cost savings on their energy bills and thus are typically more willing to pay more for a house with solar panels already installed. Helps the Environment Solar energy is renewable, and its production tends to emit less greenhouse gas than fossil fuel-burning energy production. As carbon emissions are a contributor to climate change, the fewer the better. How to Choose the Best Solar Company in Florida Choosing a solar company anywhere can be a challenge, but finding one in Florida can complicate the equation. Thankfully, the following factors take into account the general issues to be aware of when selecting a solar company for Florida-specific issues that can often fly under the radar. Service Area Not all solar companies provide services in every part of Florida. To ensure your address is within a company’s coverage zone, be sure to visit the company’s website for details. You can also call the customer service number to speak with someone. That said, if your home is in a major metropolitan area, the odds are good that most, if not all, companies on this list will be able to install solar panels at your address. Cost Estimates Most solar companies will provide a quick and free cost estimate on their website or over the phone. After getting a sense of cost, determine what sounds reasonable and, of course, decide what you are willing to pay based on your financial situation. While installing solar panels on your home does tend to pay off, it won’t do so for at least six to nine years (on average). Hurricane-Resistant Panels Tropical storms and hurricanes are an unfortunate reality in Florida, and you’ll want to make sure you’re not paying a significant sum of money for solar panels that will be destroyed the next time a storm rolls through. It’s worth asking any solar company how well their products hold up during intense storms and whether or not they might help you with repairs. Florida-specific solar companies often advertise their products’ durability, while nationwide companies may not pay much attention to this concern. That’s part of the reason it’s crucial to connect with your solar system’s customer service before you make your trip, especially if you have a disability. Humidity and Solar Panel Efficiency Humidity can impact the long-term efficiency of some solar panels. Studies show that water droplets on panels can lead to light being refracted, reflected, or diffracted, all of which prevent proper reception and therefore production of electricity. So be sure to talk with any solar company you’re considering to see how well their panels will hold up after years in a consistently humid climate. Again, nationwide companies that perhaps do a lot of business in places like California may not even consider this an issue. But Florida homeowners should be sure to ask for the specifics about how much humidity might reduce their solar panel efficiency. Some estimates indicate that efficiency can be reduced by as much as 15% to 30%. Customer Service Some companies like Momentum Solar excel in this area and others fall short. Consider doing an online search of customer reviews to see how they rate each company’s responsiveness and scheduling capabilities. Given how expensive solar panels can be, any company selling and installing them should be clearly and regularly communicating with customers. Solar Panel Design For some people, solar panels are unsightly and detract from a home’s overall appearance. For others, solar panels are up on the roof, so who cares how they look? Everyone likely has an opinion about their home’s curb appeal, and solar panels can be a noticeable feature. Some companies, such as Tesla Solar, design sleek, futuristic-looking panels that might even make your home look better than it did before. Other companies offer a variety of solar panel brands so that you can pick the one you like best. In any case, consider the aesthetic quality of each solar company’s panel designs. Don’t spend a bunch of money on something you can’t stand looking at! Warranty Protection Plans Most solar companies offer a basic 25-year warranty that covers the solar panels themselves, but details about whether labor and installation are also covered need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Some companies offer robust protection plans, while others are pretty bare bones. The good news is you’ll likely at least have your panels covered for the next couple of decades, but it’s also important to consider what happens if those panels are less energy efficient than they’re supposed to be, according to the solar company’s projections. Consider all aspects of each company’s warranty and discuss the details with a customer service representative. Average Cost of Solar Products in Florida Solar Panels In Florida, the average installation cost of solar panels ranges from around $11,000 to $15,000, with the exact cost depending on the type of solar panel and the number of solar panels that need to be installed on your property. Solar panels that are more energy efficient will cost more, while simpler, less-efficient panels will save you money on their price. Please note, these average costs do not have tax incentives factored in, so you could end up with a more affordable deal than the initial quote. Solar Roofs An entire solar roof is considerably more expensive than solar panels. The total average cost of a solar roof will run you around $50,000. Keep in mind, this does not include any tax breaks, and you will ultimately generate more energy, and thus save more on your energy bills with a solar roof. But the increase in upfront costs compared to solar panels is substantial. Solar Pool Heaters Solar pool heaters cost, on average, between $2,500 and $4,000. Much like solar panels, they can save overall energy costs and may be eligible for tax incentives as well. Frequently Asked Questions Are there tax incentives for going solar in Florida? Florida offers both property tax exemptions for the added value of a solar panel installation, as well as a 6% state sales tax exemption. On top of that, the federal government has a solar tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes. If your solar panels were installed in either 2020 or 2021, they are eligible for a 26% credit. Solar panels installed from 2022 until 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit. What is Florida’s solar energy rank? In 2021, Florida ranked fourth in the country, after California, Texas, and North Carolina, in its ability to generate solar power. Currently, about 6% of Florida’s energy production comes from renewable energy sources. Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Florida? In most cases, yes, permits are required to install solar panels in Florida. This may sound more burdensome than it actually is, though. Your solar company should handle the inspection and permit process, so all you need to do is schedule the inspection—and you may not even need to be present for the inspection. Further details should be discussed with your solar company, as specifics can differ depending on your municipality’s rules and requirements. What homeowners insurance covers solar panels in Florida? Most homeowners insurance plans cover solar panels, but the coverage may only extend to damage caused by severe weather or fire (or any perils that are included in your plan). However, if the solar panels are not installed on your roof and are instead separate from your actual house, you’ll likely need a new insurance policy to cover them. As with most things related to insurance, the best bet is to contact your insurance provider for details. Do solar panels increase home value in Florida? Yes, solar panels will likely increase the value of your home by around $20 for every $1 saved on home energy costs. The installation of solar panels on your Florida home will also likely qualify you for a property tax exemption on the increased value of your home. How long do solar panels last? The short answer is that most solar panels last from 25 to 30 years (hence why so many solar companies offer 25-year warranties). But the more complicated answer is that it depends on the type of solar panel. The more advanced monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels can last up to 40 or even 50 years. After the 25- or 40-year mark, panels will experience degradation and become less energy efficient over time. The good news is that by the time you’ll have to replace your solar panels, they will likely greatly improve in efficiency (and hopefully design, too!). How often do you have to clean solar panels in Florida? It is typically recommended that solar panels be cleaned once or twice per year. Considering Florida is prone to humidity and tropical storms, it may be wise to clean them two or three times per year. Cleaning solar panels more frequently will help them remain energy efficient and decrease degradation. Methodology We determined the best solar companies in Florida by collecting data points based on an extensive set of criteria, ranging from financing options to warranties. Our team reviewed more than a dozen companies, rating them in the following categories: Financing optionsInstallation costsCustomer serviceSolar panel designCompany reputationOnline quote systemWarranties and guaranteesStorm-proofing for hurricanes Solar companies that offer a variety of financing options, excel in customer service, and provide a range of quality products were awarded extra points during the scoring phase. Companies that do not have a presence in Florida were not evaluated. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. U.S. Department of Energy. "Planning for PV: The Value and Cost of Solar Electricity." https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42733.pdf ScienceDirect. "Effect of dust, humidity and air velocity on efficiency of photovoltaic cells." https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032112001050 Panjwani, Manoj & Narejo, G.B.. (2014). "Effect of Humidity on the Efficiency of Solar Cell (photovoltaic)." Int J Eng Res General Sci. 2. 499-503. http://ijergs.org/files/documents/EFFECT-61.pdf Related Articles Make the Most of West Coast Sunshine With These California Solar Companies Make the Jump to Green Energy With These Solar Power Companies Compare the Best Nationwide Window Replacement Companies The Best Garage Door Companies for Secure Installation What to Know Before Going Solar at Home to Save Money (and the Planet) A Guide to the Best Chimney Repair Companies Across Several U.S. States For Heating and Cooling Problems, These Are the Best HVAC Companies to Call Beat the Heat With These AC Installation Companies Can't Squash Your Bug or Rodent Problem? 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