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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.4
303 reviews
303 reviews
| Top overall |  | 22.8% | 25 years | | Cash, loan | 2007 | Get Started |
 | 4.3
3,236 reviews
3,236 reviews
| Solar leases | | 22% | Varies | | Cash, loan, lease | 2007 | Get Started |
 | 4.8
191 reviews
191 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 Lakelanders’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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 $23,569 in Lakeland. However, solar loans and leases have minimal upfront costs.
Jump to insightIt’s financially worth it for many in the long run. On average, Lakeland homeowners with solar panels avoid $49,142 in total utility costs over 25 years
Jump to insightAccording to the Florida attorney general, common solar scams often involve pushy sales reps, misleading contract terms and over-promised savings.
Jump to insightA typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Lakeland are comparable, ranging from $7,455 to $21,299.
Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. “Cost per watt” is like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house: It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Lakeland, the average cost per watt is $2.13.
The average Lakeland household needs a system with a capacity of 11.17 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 Lakeland
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $10,649 | $12,779 | $14,909 | $17,039 | $19,169 | $21,299 |
| After federal tax credit | $7,455 | $8,945 | $10,436 | $11,927 | $13,418 | $14,909 |
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
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 9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Lakeland homeowners with solar panels can avoid $49,142 in total utility costs over 25 years.
As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year at your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.
» 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?
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.
We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes
Going solar in Polk County
Central Florida, including Polk County, is susceptible to hurricanes. Make sure your system incorporates hurricane-resistant mounting and anchoring techniques. You should also consider adding battery storage for backup power during outages.
» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Florida ranked 34th in 2024
Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida and local programs, including Lakeland Electric rebates.
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best financial incentive for a lot of homeowners. 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 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.
» GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024
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 earns you credits that lower your electric bill. Some residents accumulate enough credits to almost fully cancel out their electric bills. However, Florida utility companies statewide are 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.
The city of Lakeland requires you to submit a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit application through its Building Inspection Division. All building projects in Florida over $2,500 must also submit a Notice of Commencement outlining the scope of their home improvements.
In Florida, the Solar Rights Act ensures property owners can install solar panels, even if a homeowners association is involved. HOAs can suggest placement, but only if it’s within 45 degrees of due south and doesn’t reduce efficiency.
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Lakeland. 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.
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 Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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:
Thanks for subscribing.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
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
191 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 |
| 4.3
3,236 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 |
| 4.4
303 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 |
 | 5.0
View profile
| Residential and commercial solar installations including solar pool and water heaters in Florida. 25-year warranty on panels, microinverters, racking and power production. HELOCs, PACE funding and solar loans available. | Read reviews |
 | 1.0
View profile
| Installs solar energy systems for residential and commercial consumers in Orlando and Central Florida. Easy financing with low interest, zero-down, and low payment options. Products from Enphase Energy, Tesla, SunPower and more. | 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 installer servicing parts of central Florida. Brands offered include Enphase, Generac, SolarEdge and Tesla. 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 30-year parts-and-labor warranty included. | |
 | No reviews | Florida-based residential and commercial solar installations. EV charging and battery storage systems also available. Tesla-certified installer. 30-year extended warranty on solar systems and a 20-year battery warranty. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage, EV charging and roofing for parts of New York state and Florida. 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on systems from brands like REC Group. Financing available. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installations plus solar pool and water heaters. Serves most of West Florida including Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. Financing available for products from IronRidge, Mission Solar Energy and SMA. |
