Sunrun

- Max. panel efficiency
- 22%
- Panel warranty
- Varies
- Payment options
- Cash, loan, lease
- Year founded
- 2007
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.
Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | NABCEP certified | Payment options | Year founded | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.2
3,295 reviews
3,295 reviews
| Top overall | 22% | Varies | Cash, loan, lease | 2007 | Get Started | ||
![]() | 4.4
309 reviews
309 reviews
| Customer service | 22.8% | 25 years | Cash, loan | 2007 | Get Started | ||
![]() | 4.8
201 reviews
201 reviews
| DIY projects | Varies | Varies | Cash, loan | 2018 | Learn more |
Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most residents’s energy needs, considering the humid subtropical climate.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Clearwater based on the following key features and respective weightings:
» MORE: Full methodology
Jump into our guides and start learning
We’ve talked to hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Clearwater residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.
A typical residential solar panel installation costs $22,682 in Clearwater.
Jump to insightMake sure your solar installation has hurricane-resistant mounting and anchoring techniques.
Jump to insightOn average, Clearwater homeowners with solar panels avoid $72,449 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Jump to insightA typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,699 to $21,998 in Florida. Prices in Clearwater are comparable, ranging from $7,379 to $21,082.
This doesn’t include the cost of a solar battery, which is sometimes as much as the panels ($7,000 to $18,000). A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages.
Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. The average Clearwater household needs a system with a capacity of 10.75 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
Average total solar installation costs by system size in Clearwater
5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before federal tax credit | $10,541 | $12,649 | $14,757 | $16,866 | $18,974 | $21,082 |
After federal tax credit | $7,379 | $8,854 | $10,330 | $11,806 | $13,282 | $14,757 |
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.
» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease
Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Clearwater homeowners with solar panels avoid $72,449 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.
Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 8.1 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
In our experience, the best solar companies in Florida have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.
» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes
Going solar in Pinellas County
Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection is a community solar program that lets homeowners tap into the environmental perks of solar without the hassle of installing solar equipment on their own property. With this program, residents can earn bill credits of 4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and generate renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset their electricity usage. Expect to pay a base subscription fee of $8.35 per month.
» GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024
Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida and local programs. However, the federal solar investment tax credit is still the best incentive for most homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.
The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.
The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000.
Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Florida.
Incentive type | Amount | Eligible solar equipment | Applicable sectors | Administrator | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sustainable Building Design Revolving Loan Fund | Loan program | 100% project financing based on available funds | Solar water heat | State government | Department of Transformation & Shared Services, Division of Building Authority |
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion | Personal tax exemption | 100% of subsidy | Solar panels, solar water heat, solar space heat | Residential, multifamily residential | U.S. Internal Revenue Service |
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion | Corporate tax exemption | 100% of subsidy | Solar panels, solar water heat, solar space heat | Residential, multifamily residential | U.S. Internal Revenue Service |
Energy-Efficient Mortgages | Loan program | Varies | Solar panels, passive solar, solar space heat | Residential | Federal government-sponsored enterprises, lending institutions, state government agencies and local governments |
Net metering lets you earn credits for sending excess solar energy into the Florida Power & Light grid. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy. Some residents accumulate enough credits to almost fully cancel out their electric bills. However, Florida is gradually decreasing the value of net metering credits. From January 2024 to December 2025, residents will earn a 75% energy usage credit for their excess energy production. These rates decrease to 60% in 2026 and 50% in subsequent years. So, the sooner you get started, the better.
Residents may need both building and electrical permits for solar panels. Based on the Clearwater’s Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges and the fee estimator, expect to pay between $40 and $200. All building projects in Florida over $2,500 must also submit a Notice of Commencement outlining the scope of their home improvements.
Florida law protects homeowners’ right to install solar panels. Homeowners associations can review plans but can’t block installations. They may suggest locations, provided they don’t affect performance and stay within 45 degrees of due south.
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Clearwater. You can lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. If you have a lot of shading around your house, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:
Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system.
Solar panel costs in Florida have fallen 47% over the last 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.
» DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Clearwater, Florida. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:
Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Clearwater customers were given preference.
Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.
Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.
Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
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ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.8
201 reviews
| Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.4
309 reviews
| End-to-end solar services in Texas, Colorado and Florida. Residential and commercial properties. Includes 25-year warranty. SunPower Master Dealer. Certified Tesla Powerwall installation. 24/7 performance monitoring. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.2
3,295 reviews
| Sunrun, in business for 18 years, serves customers in 20 states. It offers residential solar system financing options, including purchase and lease. Consultants customize systems to match each household’s unique energy needs. | Get Started |
![]() | 5.0
View profile
| Commercial and residential solar installations throughout Florida. Accepts cash and offers financing through loans. 20-year warranty on panels. Free estimates available upon request. | Read reviews |
![]() | 3.0
View profile
| Residential solar installation, roofing and HVAC services in parts of Florida and Texas. Offers 25-year product, production, workmanship and roof penetration warranties and a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on inverters. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer servicing Florida, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma and Colorado. Save money on your electricity bill with low maintenance and easy installation of solar panels. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy installation, including pergolas. Offers services in 28 cities across six states. Works with five major solar lenders to provide financing through loans and leases. | |
![]() | No reviews | Designs and installs solar energy systems and provides ongoing maintenance for residential and commercial consumers. Equipment from Enphase Energy and SolarEdge. Service areas span across seven states. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer servicing Florida state. Brands include Enphase, LG and Tesla. Financing options available with zero down. 100% guarantee on solar power system production. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer offering services in Florida and parts of South Carolina. Also offers system monitoring and battery storage. Financing options available. Brands include Silfab and Enphase. | |
![]() | 2.3
View profile
| Offers residential and commercial solar energy system installation, duct cleaning and backup battery systems. Products from Aeroseal Duct Sealing, Enphase Energy, the REC Group and Tesla. Provides services in Florida. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
View profile
| Residential solar installations throughout much of the Southwest along with parts of Florida and South Carolina. Products include a 25-year manufacturing warranty. Free quotes available. | Read reviews |