Updated: March 2023
Florida has a bounty of solar energy, with enough solar panels installed to power more than one million homes, according to SEIA. Hurricane Ian has driven increased interest in solar plus battery storage, to increase resilience against blackouts. But selecting a solar installer can be complex and time consuming.
Based on our extensive research, we found the top 6 installers in Florida to be:
- SunVena Solar LLC
- Solar-Ray, Inc.
- Goldin Solar
- esaSolar
- Sun Badger Solar
- ADT Solar
However, it is worth noting that the best installer for you will always depend on several factors, such as your location in Florida, type of home, and your specific energy needs.
We have made finding the right provider easy by doing a ton of research to come up with this review of the best solar companies in Florida.
Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in Florida so you get the right solar installation for your home at the right cost.
Why Trust Us
We conducted deep research on over 300 Florida solar companies. We spent more than 60 hours comparing solar installer quotes, equipment models, and talking to people about their installations. We also looked at accreditations, insurance, warranties, financing options, and experience with the energy needs of homes in Florida.
Featured Installer: esaSolar
Our #1 pick for residential solar in FL? esaSolar offers some of the best options for financing, high-quality equipment, transparent online estimates, and great communication.
Review of the 5 Best Solar Companies in Florida
1. SunVena Solar LLC
Service area: Florida. Located in Sanford, FL.
Year started: 2018
Why we’re recommending:
SunVena provides you with a free, no-obligation quote. At the same time, they do a pre-screening to help establish whether you qualify for federal, state, and utility incentives.
The installer is committed to providing you with the best solar systems. That is why their qualified and certified technicians select high quality solar products. We also found them to have some of the most affordable pricing.
Each solar system installed comes with a 25-year total system warranty, which is inclusive of panels and inverter warranty, labor guarantee, and production guarantee.
Customer feedback: Customers say that SunVena involves them at every step, and the staff is honest. Many clients have also said that the company has a quick turnaround time and excellent customer service.
2. Solar-Ray, Inc
Service area: Florida. Located in Orlando.
Year started: 2003
Why we’re recommending:
Solar-Ray is one of the most experienced and reliable providers in Florida, having installed solar systems for 19 years. During this time, they have completed over 2500 solar projects.
The company is the first nationally accredited solar installer from Florida. The level of expertise is also evident through their team of highly trained staff who have undergone over 400 hours of industry-specific training.
The installer is committed to the use of high quality solar equipment to ensure you get a high-quality system that comes with a 100% performance guarantee.
Customer Feedback: Many customers say that Solar-Ray surveys, evaluates, and sends prices within the same day. When it comes to installation, several clients note that the process takes a few hours to complete and is conducted professionally.
3. Goldin Solar
Service area: Florida. Located in Miami, Vero Beach, and Orlando.
Year Started: 2014
Why we’re recommending:
Goldin Solar has a wide range of services, allowing it to stand out from its competitors. This includes residential, commercial, high-end residential, and custom solar systems.
Goldin Solar uses industry-standard solar software to design arrays on your roof for maximum energy generation. In addition, the company installs leading solar technology, which includes Q CELLS solar panels and Tesla Powerwall obtained directly from the factory.
Goldin Solar uses Tesla’s Powerwall, which is one of the best for storing solar energy generated by panels. This provides power during outages and on days with only a few hours of sunshine.
Customer feedback: According to multiple clients, Goldin Solar has very attentive and flexible salespeople, and the owner is accessible. Several customers also found that Goldin offered the best quote and does a job that exceeds expectations.
4. esaSolar
Service area: Florida, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Located in Maitland, FL.
Year started: 2010
Why we’re recommending:
The company has been operating for more than a decade and is backed by SunPower.
esaSolar is Florida’s first and only SunPower Master dealer. This means it uses panels, battery storage, and inverters, among other solar equipment that SunPower manufactures.
The provider offers both residential and commercial solar solutions. Under the commercial category, esaSolar provides services to all kinds of industries and institutions. This includes the manufacturing sector, government institutions, the healthcare sector, and auto dealerships.
Another reason we are recommending esaSolar is the favorable financing options, including leases, and loans.
Customer feedback: Many customers say the installer does a great job and often completes installation ahead of the estimated completion date. Several pleased homeowners say the provider has an experienced customer service team that quickly addresses concerns.
5. Sun Badger Solar
Service area: Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Located in Sarasota, Fl., Arlington Heights, IL., Bloomington, MN, and Milwaukee, WI.
Year started: 2018
Why we’re recommending:
The company offers residential and commercial solar solutions. In addition to these, it provides other services, including battery storage, which allows you to add a power backup to your system if it was not part of the original installation. Sun Badger is a certified installer of the Tesla Powerwall and Enphase storage battery.
Sun Badger also provides is EV charger installations. They help you optimize the existing system to accommodate EV charging, allowing you to charge your EV using solar power. The EV charger brands used by the company include Tesla and ChargePoint.
Sun Badger also provides service and maintenance on solar systems, and they can also expand your current system to accommodate increased energy demand.
Customer feedback: Several customers said Sun Badger Solar made life easy for them by handling all the permits required for a system installation. Some clients noted that the provider makes it easy to monitor the performance of the installed system by setting up an app that is easy to use.
6. ADT Solar
Service area: Include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia
Year started: 2007
Why we’re recommending:
ADT solar is a national installer that has helped more than 55,000 customers go solar. In the process, they have installed thousands of systems.
ADT Solar installs the best solar products, including Enphase Encharge and Tesla Powerwall. The energy storage systems come with leading technology that makes it possible to monitor the production and usage of solar energy in your home through a smartphone.
ADT Solar offers a 25-year power production guarantee. On top of this, they have a price protection guarantee that ensures you get the best value for money. If another installer offers equal products and benefits for less than ADT, you are refunded the difference and awarded extra cash.
Customer feedback: Many customers say that ADT is great at planning and coordinating permits and projects. Multiple clients also note that customer care is always available to answer questions and the installation team is professional and fast.
Top National Solar Installers in Florida
Top Local Installers in Major Areas
Top Local Installer in the Greater Orlando Area
Top Local Installers in the Greater Tampa Bay Area
Top Local Installers in Southern Florida and Miami Area
Top Local Installers in Northwest Florida
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Florida
The state of Florida has several incentives and rebate programs to help you go solar.
The first incentive is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), available to all homeowners. The incentive was initially scheduled to reduce from 26% in 2022 to 22% in 2023, after which it was to be eliminated.
However, it has recently increased from 26% to 30%, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act signed in August 2022. The incentive is now valid through 2032, allowing you to claim a credit worth 30% of the total cost of the installed system. Therefore, with this tax credit, you can save between $6-10k on an average solar system.
The second one is the property tax exemption. The incentive allows you to increase the value of your home by installing solar panels without having to incur additional tax costs.
Third, Florida has a sales-tax exemption on residential solar systems that extends to battery installations. The exemption enables you to save about 6% on your system.
Fourth, Florida has a Net Metering policy that allows you to sell the excess energy generated by your solar system to the grid. This will enable you to save more money each month.
Florida has additional incentives and rebate programs that will help save even more. They include:
- Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
- Energy-Efficient Mortgages
- Solar and Energy Loan Fund
- Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
Click here to find out more about these incentives and many others available in Florida.
How Much Does Solar Cost in Florida?
The average solar installation cost for a 7 kW system is about $21,600 before the 30% federal tax credit. The payback period for such a system is 11 years.
Find out more: Florida Solar Panel Installation Costs 2023.
How Big a Solar System do I Need in Florida?
Several factors will affect how many solar panels you need for your home in Florida. They include the size and angle of your roof, the amount of shade, and your electricity usage. But on average, a home in Florida can expect to require 12-22 solar panels.
Most of the installers on our list will give you a free solar estimate, which is the best way to determine the exact number of panels you will need to install.
Is it worth it to go solar in Florida?
Going solar in Florida is worth it because of the many benefits that include cost savings, resilience, and energy independence.
According to the SEIA, over 142,000 solar installations have already been completed in Florida, most of which are residential systems.
By joining the many homeowners who have already installed solar, we estimate that you can save up to $23,000 over 20 years.
Can I get Financing for Solar in Florida
There are several solar financing options available to you, categorized into state and private programs.
One of the popular state programs is the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan program. PACE suits those that cannot afford to buy solar panels or have a low credit rating that prevents them from accessing loans elsewhere.
With this program, you can get up to 100% financing for your solar system. Find out more about the PACE loan program in Florida here.
You can also get secured and unsecured loans from private financial companies operating in Florida. Some of these institutions have partnered with installers across the state to make the journey of going solar easier. An example is Florida Power Services, which offers a fixed-rate solar loan at 0.99% APR.
Can I Install Solar at my Home in Florida?
If you can install solar panels on your roof or yard, you can go solar. In Florida, most homes qualify for solar. This is according to Google Sunroof, which reveals that over 91% of roofs in Florida are viable for solar power production.
There are many factors that will influence your ability to go solar and how much you can save when installing panels in your home. They include the financing option you choose since it affects the incentives you can claim.
How Does Net Metering Work in Florida
Net metering allows homeowners with a solar system to send the excess energy generated to the grid in exchange for credits.
In Florida, the program covers customers of investor-owned utilities and also some municipal and rural cooperative utilities. Utilities offering the net metering program include Florida Power & Light, Tampa Electric Company, and Duke Energy Florida.
Here is how the net metering program works:
- You apply to have your solar energy system adapted to support net metering
- Your old energy meter is replaced with a new meter capable of sending power to the grid (if you don’t have a smart meter already)
- Monthly electric bill considers the energy consumed minus the energy generated
- You earn credits if the power generated was more than that consumed
The Advantages of Solar in Florida
Here are some of the benefits that you can expect to enjoy by going solar.
Reduced Electric Bills
When you install solar panels in Florida, you start generating your own electricity. This allows you to cut your high electric bills.
You can nearly eliminate electric bills by investing in the right solar system that meets all your needs and hiring the best installer.
Increase in Home Value
Installing a solar system can increase your home value by 4%, which can be tens of thousands of dollars depending on the nature of your property.
Rewards in the form of Tax Credits
When you choose solar in Florida, you are rewarded with tax credits that allow you to recover some of your investment almost immediately.
An example is the 30% federal tax credit, where you recoup nearly a third of the total cost incurred.
Your Home Becomes Greener
Solar power is clean and renewable energy. Thus, by going solar, you will help create a sustainable future by reducing the demand for fossil fuels used to generate electricity by power companies.
Most Reputable Solar Panel Installers in Florida
Based on our research and customer feedback, the most reputable solar companies are:
- SunVena Solar LLC
- Solar-Ray, Inc.
- Goldin Solar
- Sun Badger Solar
- ADT Solar
- SunPower
- Sunrun
- Blue Raven
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Florida
There are more than 300 solar installers in Florida. So it can be confusing and time-consuming to narrow it down to the ones that work for you and are within your budget goals. Lucky for you, we’re here to help.
Here are some considerations you should keep in mind.
- Identify the type of solar company you need
- Decide whether you want a national or Florida-based solar installation company
- Check the level of expertise and experience
- Check if the installer is certified by NABCEP and Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA)
- Check whether the provider is insured
- Check the quality of solar equipment used
- Read up on the solar installer’s reviews and client testimonials
- Find out about the warranties offered
- Ask for the turnaround time
- Establish whether the installer provides customized solutions
- Get multiple quotes. Get a quote from at least 3 solar installers in Florida
How we Researched the Best Solar Installers in Florida
To ensure we came up with a reliable list of the best installers in Florida, we looked at the following factors:
- Accreditation and certification
- NABCEP accreditation
- Certification by the state of Florida
- BBB accreditation
- Expertise and experience
- Number of years they have been in business
- Services offered
- Number of customers served
- Number of projects completed
- Process and quality of installations
- Free consultations
- Non-obligation quotes
- Quality of solar products
- Nature of warranties
- Financing options offered
- Customer reviews
Going Solar with Electric Utility Companies in Florida
Utility companies such as Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy have solar programs. However, it is worth noting that most of these programs target community solar instead of private rooftop solar.
For customers looking to go solar, the only program offered by utilities in Florida to encourage the move is net-metering. With this program, you can sell excess energy generated by your installed system to your power company.
In the process, you can cut or eliminate electric bills while also earning credits that might help you recover most of your solar investment quickly.
Net-metering comes with some restrictions that, if violated, can result in a utility refusing to purchase the excess solar power you generate.
For example, Duke Energy requires you to size your system to meet up to 100% usage, while Florida Power & Light restricts the sizing to 115% of your historical usage.
Such restrictions can influence how much you invest in a residential solar system and the time taken to recover your investment.
Another concern for homeowners that want to go solar in the future is a bill introduced to the senate in 2021 pushing for the elimination of net metering in Florida. The bill was written and is being supported by individuals associated with Florida Power & Light. If it were to pass, going solar might become difficult for homeowners.
Cost of Electricity in Florida
The average electricity rate for residential consumers in Florida is 14 ¢/kWh. The 14 ¢/kWh is a 14% increase from 2021 when the average rate was 12 ¢/kWh. The cost of electricity in Florida continues to rise.
However, the rate in Florida is currently lower than the national average, which currently stands at 16 ¢/kWh. Going solar will ensure you never have to worry about the rates going up and over the national average.
Climate, Weather, and Solar Irradiance in Florida
Florida is one of the warmest states in the U.S., which is why it is referred to as the ‘Sunshine State.’ The average daily high temperature stands at 82.4 °F.
Florida has some of the longest hours of sunshine in the country. The month of April leads with 9 hours of sun per day, while December usually has the lowest with 5 hours. However, the peak sun hours are 6 hours per day in summer and 5 hours during winter.
Winters in Florida are also one of the most favorable in the country since they are mild and sunny. This is also why Florida has double the hours of sunlight in winter compared to states in the northeastern quadrant.
The many hours of sun in a day, even during the winter, generate more solar power, and makes solar power even more affordable in Florida.
However, Florida has a high rate of intense storms and hurricanes, such as Hurricane Ian. That is why it is crucial to evaluate the installer’s experience with weather-hardened installations, and battery backup if you are interested in that as well.
Solar Irradiance in Florida
Florida has some of the best solar irradiance levels in the U.S. Most regions in the state of Florida have a Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of over 4.5 kWh/m2/day and a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of over 5 kWh/m2/day.
For example, Arcadia, FL, has a GHI OF 5.03 kWh/m2/day and a DNI of 4.91 kWh/m2/day. On the other hand, Palm Beach has a GHI OF 5 kWh/m2/day and a DNI of 4.7 kWh/m2/day.
You can find out more about solar irradiance in your area here.
The climate, weather, and solar irradiance levels show that Florida provides the perfect environment for generating solar energy.
Environmental Benefits of Going Solar in Florida
Going solar has direct benefits to the environment, which is critical in the fight against climate change and in creating a sustainable future.
The benefits include;
- Reduced demand for fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gasses and other pollutants
- Improved air quality due to reduced pollution
- Cleaner water due to reduced pollution
- Reduced consumption and waste of water by power plants
Florida solar energy by the numbers
According to the SEIA, the installed solar capacity in Florida is 9,539 MW, which puts the state 3rd in the US ranking. The solar capacity is generated by 142,910 installations and is enough to power 1,144,171 homes.
SEIA data further show that the total solar investment in Florida is $13.1 billion and that prices have fallen 50% over the last 10 years.
Bottom Line
Florida is one of the best states to go solar thanks to the high sunshine, incentives, rebates, and favorable financing options. Therefore, if you have not migrated to solar, consider making the move today. When choosing an installer, we recommend getting at least three quotes from local, regional, and national installers.
Florida solar energy resources
This article has everything you need to know about incentives and rebates available in Florida.
This article has detailed information about the cost of solar panel installation in Florida.
This is a non-profit association that protects and promotes the interest of the solar industry in Florida.
This website provide information on solar incentives and policies in Florida.
This website offers reliable energy data, and covers all type of energy sources including solar power.
