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Best Solar Companies in Florida

We compared 270 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Freedom Solar Power
      4.4(309)
    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,303)
    • ShopSolar
      4.8(202)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Florida

    Based on verified customer reviews, equipment quality and financing flexibility, Freedom Solar Power is the best solar energy company in Florida. Sunrun stands out for its $0 down leasing program, and ShopSolar is the place to get solar panels for a do-it-yourself project.

    Our picks for the 3 best solar companies in Florida

    1. Best solar company in Florida: Freedom Solar Power
    2. Our pick for affordable leases: Sunrun
    3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    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.

    The best solar companies, reviewed

    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner

    Freedom Solar Power

    Freedom Solar Power
    4.4
    309 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22.8%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

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

    As of publishing, new customers can go solar for $0 down and as little as $99 per month. All systems come with a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed between 84% and 92% of original production for 25 years.

    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.

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • No in-house financing
    • Some communication issues
    “The process was seamless, and I remain quite pleased with the solar panels' performance.”
    P Satellite Beach, FL
    “I am a Multi-Skilled Engineering Technician and selected Freedom based on their superior solar panels. The installation went well: 24 panels on my remote garage roof that is piped into my home panel 40' away.”
    Deejay Saint Petersburg, FL
    “Overall, I am very satisfied with my decision to go solar with Freedom Solar Power, particularly in the eventuality of power outages.”
    Dwyane Eustis, FL
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,303 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan and lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunrun has a lease program that lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

    You can get started for $0 down with Sunrun’s solar leasing plans. As of publishing, you can add a home battery for about $45 per month. The 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.

    Some customers have had issues with communication, delays in installation or misunderstandings about incentives, but overall, they are satisfied with the performance of their solar systems. 

    For instance, Glenn in Riverview wrote in a review: “Initially, we had some issues with the connection and roof positioning, but they were resolved. Now, the system works fine and does what it's supposed to do. Overall, I've had a good experience.”

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Occasional delays
    • Third-party contractors
    “The solar panels have been efficient, and I'm thrilled with their performance.”
    Donna Tampa, FL
    “Going with Sunrun has significantly helped reduce my electricity costs, which is crucial as I am on a tight budget.”
    Fe Holly Hill, FL
    “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.”
    James Sun City Center, FL
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.8
    202 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar is a great option if you want to install solar panels yourself. The online retailer sells custom solar kits, panels and other equipment like 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. 

    We also like that it has free shipping on all solar kits, a price-match guarantee, lifetime customer support and flexible financing options. ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so your equipment will be covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

    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

    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
    “Customer service is super nice and very helpful. … With the kit, I save $200 a month on electricity.”
    Carlos Ponce De Leon, FL
    “They were very helpful and the customer service was excellent. I'm quite impressed with the 12,000 watt inverter and battery I purchased as well.”
    Dan Old Town, FL
    “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.”
    David Alachua, FL

    Solar Companies in Florida Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Freedom Solar Power logo
    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      Going solar in Florida is both “perfect and challenging,” according to Andrew Lokenauth, a Tampa-based finance expert with years of experience studying the solar market. In the best-case scenario, you can power your home with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy.

      What you don’t want is an overpriced system that underperforms. If you’re ready to go solar, we’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      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 $7,699 and $21,998. 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 panel costs by system size in Florida

      Solar cost factors in Florida

      Many building codes require solar panel systems to have special mounting equipment and additional engineering certifications, which is expensive. Your total system costs could also double if you add a battery.

      • Battery storage: A battery lets you store excess solar energy in your house instead of sending it into the local grid. With a battery, you have more energy independence and can future-proof your investment as grid rules change. The downside is that it is expensive ($7,000 to $18,000).
      • Hurricane requirements: When Lokenauth installed solar on a property in Tampa last year, he had to pay an extra $2,000 to $3,000 on special mounting equipment and additional engineering certifications to make sure solar panel systems can withstand hurricanes.
      • How you pay: You can lease solar equipment with little to no upfront costs. Solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee. Solar loans tend to have relatively low rates, but you still have the added cost of paying interest over time.
      Most people think summer installation makes sense, but I've found October through February installations often get you better deals. ”
      — Andrew Lokenauth, finance expert in Florida

      Are solar panels worth it in Florida?

      Solar panels end up being worth it in Florida for many people. On average, Florida homeowners can avoid $66,310 in total utility costs over 25 years. 

      We’ve heard from hundreds of solar energy customers. Aziz in Orlando told us his power bill is “near zero,” and Edward in Tampa said his electric bill is “down into single digits and it’s no more than $50 during wintertime. Brigitte in Weston said it’s worth it just to “cut out FPL (Florida Power & Light Company).” 

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

      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.”

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      How to choose a solar company in Florida

      The best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, reliable equipment and helpful customer service. Local experience is also important, especially in Florida. Building codes vary by county and city, and Lokenauth has seen many out-of-state contractors mess that up.

      • 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.​​“In my experience reviewing proposals, legitimate companies provide complete system specs, realistic production estimates and clear warranty terms,” Lokenauth said.

      Solar incentives in Florida

      Statewide solar incentives in Florida include a 100% sales and use tax exemption for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heaters and related components. 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.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which reduces your taxable income. The credit is nonrefundable, but it rolls over into the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount.

      » GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd

      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 there is. 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 can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You can pay cash upfront, but most people finance their system through a solar loan or lease. In Florida, the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) provides loans up to $50,000 with interest rates starting at 5%. Florida Keys Electric Cooperative offers customers funding up to $35,000 to pay for solar projects. Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is another way to fund solar and other energy-efficient upgrades through a property tax assessment.

      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.

      If you need to replace your roof, 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 long does it take to install solar panels?

      The actual installation usually only takes about a day, but the planning and design can take months. In Tampa specifically, the permitting process can take four to six weeks longer than in other markets, so that’s another thing to factor into your timeline.

      How does net metering work in Florida?

      Net metering lets solar panel owners draw electricity from the grid when their panels aren't producing enough energy and earn credits for excess energy sent back 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.

      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. Company history and current reputation were also considered.

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

      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. DSIRE, "Florida Programs." Accessed May 21, 2025.
      2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Florida." Accessed May 21, 2025.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Florida Solar." Accessed May 21, 2025.
      4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Florida, 2024?" Accessed May 21, 2025.
      5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      7. Florida PACE Funding Agency, “About Florida PACE.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      8. Solar and Energy Loan Fund, “Solar Products.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      9. FSEC, “Solar Certification.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      10. The Florida Senate, “Net Metering.” Accessed May 21, 2025.
      11. Florida Attorney General’s Office, “Scams at a Glance: The Dark Side of Solar.” Accessed May 21, 2025.

      Not sure how to choose?

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