Best solar companies in Jacksonville, FL

Based on feedback from hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation, here’s what Jacksonville 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 solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Jacksonville are comparable, ranging from $8,307 to $23,734.

The average Jacksonville household needs a system with a capacity of 10.63 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.

The table below does not include the cost of an energy storage battery, which can be as expensive as the panels ($7,000 to $18,000). A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it later. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Jacksonville

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.

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

Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Jacksonville homeowners with solar panels can avoid $16,479 in total utility costs over 25 years.

But it doesn’t work out for everyone in Jax. Florida averages 3.5 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.

We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator. As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

One of Jacksonville’s most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. The other one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.

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.

• 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 recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida, including a solar sales tax exemption and property tax abatement. The newly funded Solar for All program should eventually make rooftop solar more accessible to low-income and disadvantaged communities in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

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.

Additional solar incentives in Jacksonville

Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Florida.

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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville 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:

1. Project Solar
2. Sunrun
3. ShopSolar