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Best Solar Companies in Florida

We compared 270 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(283)
    • Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,051)
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    Written by Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Florida

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Freedom Solar Power logo
    Project Solar logo
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    See our top picks

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      Florida is the perfect place to embrace solar energy technologies. Thousands of homes are already powered by solar in the Sunshine State.

      To choose the best solar companies for this guide, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors. Our top 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.

      Our top solar company picks

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,589,409 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies, reviewed

      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      Freedom Solar Power
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6
      283 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      Freedom Solar Power stands out for its professional installation and customer service. Installers specialize in rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted arrays, off-grid solar power systems and solar carports. For residential projects, they can work with almost any type of roof, including metal and tile.

      • “I liked their software and cost, and the guy that was selling it wasn't pushing. When the installers came in, they installed the system and were gone within five hours. They did good work. They had me inspect everything and everything looked good. It was exactly like the diagram showed it would be. … I only pay $35.95 a month for my power now and I paid $150 a month before.” — Michelle in Orange City
      • “Freedom Solar was straightforward with the facts of their service and all of the equipment was from them. They were upfront and what was on paper was exactly what came out of their mouth. The installation went really well. They came in and took care of it in one day.” — Christian in Brooksville
      • “I like Freedom Solar Power's customer service. The urgency was phenomenal. They let us know everything ahead of time, when they were coming, what they were doing, about how long it was gonna take, and they didn't disturb anything. I love going solar with Freedom because it cut my bill in more than half.” — Rhonda in Winter Haven

      Aniruddha in Ellenton was happy with Freedom Solar Power panels — “they were the best in terms of technology for residential use” — but said the company could have been more upfront about using a third-party financing partner. For Aniruddha, this complicated getting a HELOC on their property.

      Another customer, Montez in Fruitland Park, said they were overall satisfied with the installation: “however, it'd be nice if they could give me a call and say, ‘Your system is okay.’ I don't know if the panels are working or how can I get it hooked up to my phone.”

      Freedom Solar Power installs American-designed solar panels that are built to last at least 25 years. It also offers Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault backup power systems.

      Freedom Solar services

      • Residential and commercial installations
      • Equipment maintenance and upgrades
      • Roof repairs
      • Energy monitoring

      Freedom has a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed between 84% and 92% of original production for 25 years. The Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault backup power systems both come with 10-year warranties.

      • Cash: You can pay for the system in full upfront.
      • Loan: Qualified customers can find reasonable rates with no money down.

      Pros

      • Excellent customer service
      • 24/7 performance monitoring
      • Transferable warranty
      • In-house, NABCEP-certified installation crews

      Cons

      • Somewhat limited availability
      • No in-house financing
      2x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation
      Our pick for value
      Project Solar
      Project Solar
      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2016
      Read Reviews

      Project Solar reps take a no-sales-gimmicks approach that appeals to budget-conscious clients. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. Do-it-yourself projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      We’ve talked to more than 50 verified customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, satisfaction ratings on pricing, customer service and technology were all above industry averages.

      • “The way they do business is straightforward and they give you the option to either hook you up with somebody with a contractor or do it yourself. The price was good and all the stuff was in the package which came out fast. I asked for a few extra support which they supplied to me at no charge and when I had to do the final hook-up, the rep was very helpful and patient.” — Titus in Melbourne
      • “There was no sales pressure with Project Solar. Before that, I met with some solar companies as well but it was too much pressure to me. … The system gives the same features that other big companies give, and it's cost-efficient. For the same amount of kilowatts, my friend installed a higher rate whereas I am done with $13,000 and he paid $24,000. We both are producing the same amount of energy now. If you know how to install things, it's even cheaper.” — Praveen in Orlando
      • “Right from putting the deposit down, Project Solar was very communicative. … There was a bit of miscommunication at the beginning where they didn't tell me exactly how long the permits could take, but they quickly cleared up any confusion on my end up. So overall, I had a good experience. I've recommended them to everybody I've spoken to that is interested in solar.” — Richard in Longwood

      We’ve heard about some minor issues related to delays. Connor in Navarre said, “It took a long time to finish the project, but it was the cheapest route so it was worth it in the end.”

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Q-Cell, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase. As part of the full-service installation, it offers Enphase IQ 5P batteries or Tesla Powerwall. DIY projects only have the Enphase IQ 5P option. It currently operates in multiple states across the US.

      Project Solar services

      • System design
      • Equipment procurement
      • Pro and DIY installations
      • Financing solutions

      Project Solar has two main warranties: a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. There’s also an 84% production level guarantee for 25 years, and it provides reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

      • The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials of solar panels, inverters and other equipment.
      • The workmanship warranty covers issues like faulty wiring or improper mounting.

      Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer two main financing options for professional solar installations. For DIY solar projects, Project Solar's financing partners cannot provide loans — you can either pay cash or finance through a third-party lender, such as LightStream, or a home equity loan/line of credit.

      Pros

      • Transparent pricing
      • Streamlined installations
      • Great for cost savings
      • Roof-leak warranty

      Cons

      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for solar leases
      Sunrun
      Sunrun
      4.2
      3,051 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      We like that Sunrun takes a customized approach to designing home solar systems. The process starts by evaluating your current electricity usage, and then reps use a special computer tool to create the optimal solar system design. You can get started for $0 down with Sunrun’s solar leasing plans.

      • “We had a representative from Sunrun come to the house and talk to us about it. We thought it was a pretty good deal as far as everything was concerned. We went ahead and had them do it. The installation was absolutely fantastic. They put their stuff up in one day and they did a great job but it took a month to get the various inspections from TECO. We've been very happy with the solar. It's been a consistent amount every month and on some months, we have more from TECO because we've overrun the balance. Overall, we've done really well the last year with the solar panels on the roof.” — James in Sun City Center
      • “Their reps stayed in contact with us throughout the whole process and they were very cordial and respectful of our time. It's been over a year since we've been with them and it has saved utilities drastically. Also, the app is as good as far as apps go. It works and it shows me what I like to see. It shows my usage, but not just that day, for the week, month, and year.” — Alex in Thonotosassa

      Sunrun might not have the most proactive monitoring, according to one customer in Florida.

      Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Illinois. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      Sunrun services

      • Rooftop solar panel installation
      • Solar battery storage
      • Energy monitoring
      • EV charging solutions

      Sunrun’s standard warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.

      You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options.

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      • Shorter warranty
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar is a great option if you want to install solar panels yourself. The online store has solar panel brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. We like that it has free shipping on all solar kits, a price-match guarantee and lifetime customer support.

      • Customer service is super nice and very helpful. They were really upbeat and they wanted to help me. I told them what I needed and they figured out the best kit for me. They steered me the right way. When I had to get permits, I didn't know how to calculate the kilowatt hours that the system would produce. I called them back and they calculated that for me so I could complete the permit process. With the kit, I save $200 a month on electricity. I highly recommend them.” — Carlos in Ponce De Leon
      • “I liked them over a lot of other solar people, just because most solar companies try to get you on monthly payments and upsell you. But the ShopSolar people just sold me the stuff. Their website is straightforward. Customer service was also very responsive. Everything was shipped out. Everything was done fine. And the DIY kit was easy. I use it every day, and it works great. I'm super happy with my purchase.” — David in Alachua

      Unlike our other top picks, ShopSolar does not provide professional installation services. You need to know quite a bit about solar panels and electrical work for this kind of DIY solar project to make sense. You’re also basically on your own when it comes to the permitting process.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      Florida solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from over 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including hundreds in Florida. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and state tax incentives can help make it more affordable.

      Jump to insight

      Adding a reliable solar storage battery to your system is expensive but often worth it — especially in the state’s Big Bend and other areas with regular or semiregular power outages.

      Jump to insight

      How much does it cost to go solar in Florida?

      Average solar panel costs in Florida typically range between $7,945 and $22,700. This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

      On the high end, Norberto in St. Cloud told us he paid $70,000 going solar. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Florida

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You can pay the full cost upfront, but many finance their system through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest. Another option is using a home equity line of credit or loan.

      Alternatively, you can lease solar panels. There are pros and cons to leasing. It’s sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Florida

      The newly funded Solar for All program aims to make solar panels more accessible to low-income households, especially those in historically underserved communities, in the near future. For now, these are the most significant statewide solar incentives in Florida.

      • Federal tax credit: The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for a lot of homeowners buying solar panels in Florida. It 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.
      • State tax breaks: Florida has exempted renewable energy equipment from sales tax since 1997, including solar panel systems, water heaters, space heaters and pool heaters. There’s also a 100% property tax abatement for residential solar installations until 2037.
      • Loan programs: The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) provides low-interest solar loans up to $50,000 with 7.99% to 8.25% APR. Terms are between three and 10 years. The Florida Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program offers financing for residential and commercial solar projects. Interest rates are between 6% and 12.99%. Project cost must not exceed 20% of the property value.

      Are solar panels worth it in Florida?

      Based on feedback from hundreds of solar customers in the Sunshine State, the general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Florida. On average, Floridians can avoid $56,077 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      “During summertime, my electric bill is down into single digits and it’s no more than $50 during wintertime,” Edward in Tampa told us. In the best-case scenario, your power bill is “near zero,” like Aziz's in Orlando. For some, like Brigitte in Weston, it’s also worth it for the ability to “cut out FPL (Florida Power & Light Company).”

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      But it doesn’t work for everyone. Dave in Tampa got a $40,000 loan to pay for 12 solar panels and two storage batteries. The equipment was not reliable. “Long story short,” Dave told us, “I’ve been paying for this system for 10 months, with no power savings, no protection from the four outages I’ve had.” The issue was eventually resolved, but he said, “The overall experience was a nightmare.”

      Solar panels are a big investment. That’s why it’s so important to work with a trustworthy company that quickly responds to any issues you have.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Going solar in Florida

      Florida is the perfect place to embrace solar energy technology. The solar market is quite saturated. You have hundreds of options, which might feel overwhelming. That's where the ConsumerAffairs Research Team comes in to help you get the best deal.

      » GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024

      What to look for in a solar company in Florida

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Check certifications: Solar companies must apply for panel certification through Florida Solar Energy Center’s Photovoltaic Certification Portal, and you can confirm registrations through the FSEC’s Registered PV Modules page. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Florida.
      • Read the fine print: Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty and ongoing services.

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Florida?

      We aren’t aware of a program that gives you solar panels for free in Florida, but some companies might make it seem like you can. You can lease solar equipment with little to no upfront costs, but it’s not totally free. Solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      It’s best to have plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west for optimal sun exposure. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before installing solar panels. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      How do solar batteries work?

      Solar batteries let you store the solar energy you produce to use when your system is not producing power. A solar battery helps you increase your energy independence and is essential if you want to go off-grid.

      How does net metering work in Florida?

      Net metering lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. Net metering also lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid.

      However, the value of credits is gradually decreasing. 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.

      The Florida Public Service Commission regulates net metering. Programs allow for systems with a capacity of up to 2 megawatts (MW), which is much larger than most residential setups. To get started with net metering, contact your utility company.

      Methodology

      The Consumer Affairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. 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 Florida 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: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Florida. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Floridians’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      Not sure how to choose?

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