To choose the top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. 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.
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Solar can be a big investment. Considering the humid subtropical climate, our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Orlando residents’ energy needs.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Orlando based on the following key features and respective weightings:
We’ve talked to hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Orlando 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.
Key insights
A typical residential solar panel installation costs $24,351 in Orlando. However, solar loans and leases have minimal upfront costs.
It’s financially worth it for many in the long run. On average, Orlando homeowners with solar panels avoid $52,980 in total utility costs over 25 years.
According to the Florida attorney general, common solar scams are related to pressuring salespeople, misleading contract terms and over-promised savings.
A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Orlando are comparable, ranging from $7,884 to $22,527. On the high end, Jonathan in Orlando paid $42,000 for solar panels (not including a battery).
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. As of publishing, Orlando’s average cost per watt is $2.25.
A typical Orlando household needs a 11.17 kW (kilowatt) system to fully offset its 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 Orlando
5 kW
6 kW
7 kW
8 kW
9 kW
10 kW
Before federal tax credit
$11,263
$13,516
$15,769
$18,021
$20,274
$22,527
After federal tax credit
$7,884
$9,461
$11,038
$12,615
$14,192
$15,769
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 are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, homeowners with solar panels can avoid $52,980 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
But it doesn’t work out for everyone in the Theme Park Capital of the World. 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.
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 on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator.
The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
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. Jonathan in Orlando said he was quoted $4,200 to take the panels off and reinstall them.
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.
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.
One of Orlando’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.
The major utility providers in Orange County, Duke Energy and OUC, offer net metering programs. Additional initiatives, like OUC's OUCommunity Solar or Duke Energy's Clean Energy Connection, provide virtual access to solar energy without installing panels on your property.
Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida and local programs. For instance, OUC has community solar options and rebates for solar water heaters.
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for a lot of Orlando 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.
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.
You won’t get a refund for the extra amount if the solar tax credit is more than your tax bill. However, you can get a refund if the credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year. You can also carry over any unused credit to the next tax year.
Additional solar incentives in Orlando
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
Orlando solar FAQ
Is my house a good candidate for solar?
Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:
What is the size and angle of my roof? Orlando (and the rest of the Sunshine State) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch.
How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels.
How does net metering work in Orlando?
Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. You can also earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. Some residents accumulate enough credits to almost fully cancel out their electric bills.
Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Orlando?
An electrical permit application must be submitted to the local government. If you hire a professional installer, they will likely complete this step for you. Alternatively, you can use Orlando’s online permit portal to do it yourself. All building projects in Florida over $2,500 must also submit a Notice of Commencement outlining the scope of their home improvements.
Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?
Florida law allows homeowners to install solar panels, even if they’re in a homeowners association. Associations can place certain restrictions on where solar panels are installed.
What are the different types of solar panels?
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.
Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Orlando
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 Orlando, 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 Orlando 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:
Sunrun
Project Solar
ShopSolar
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Guide sources
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:
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.
Solar panel dealer with partner installers. Full-service and DIY installs. Available across the continental U.S. 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty. Transparent and flat pricing online. Financing options available.
Sunrun offers free energy consultations in 20 states. 15 years of experience. Sells and leases customized residential solar energy systems. Solar advisors offer one-on-one consultants to guide you through the details.
Installs residential solar energy systems in San Juan, Puerto Rico and parts of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Financing options include loans, leases and PPAs.
Commercial and residential solar installations in Orlando and Tampa, Florida. 25-year warranties that include panel production, leak protection and workmanship. Financing available for products from brands like Silfab and Sol-Ark.
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.
Solar energy systems for homes, businesses, farms and ranches in five states. 30-year power production warranties and lifetime service and maintenance. Tier 1 solar panels from Aleo Solar. Financing offered.
Residential and commercial solar panel installer servicing parts of Florida state since 2012. Brands offered include Generac, LG Chem, sonnen, SunPower and Tesla. Backup power services also available.
Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Hybrid and off-grid installations available for residential service. 25-year manufacturers' warranties on panels. Offers products from sonnen and Tesla Powerwall.
Serves five major cities in Florida, including Miami and Tampa. Installs solar energy systems for homes and businesses. Offers 20-year warranties on labor and maintenance. Financing available through power purchase agreements.
Solar energy systems for homes throughout much of Arkansas and Florida, including Little Rock, Orlando and Miami. Warranties include 25 years from the manufacturer and 10 years on workmanship.
Residential and commercial solar installation, solar AC, solar pool heating and pumps, solar attic fans and solar water heaters in parts of central Florida. Offers 25-year manufacturer's warranty on Panasonic solar panels.
HVAC and residential solar installation. Serves the Dallas–Fort Worth area and parts of Florida. Warranties include 25 years on performance and 10 years on roofing. Financing available for Aptos, Enphase and Silfab products.
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.
Residential solar installation, energy storage and hybrid water heaters for 15 cities in Florida. Offers a 25-year warranty on panels, inverters, maintenance and roof protection. Systems include American-made panels.
Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Grid-tied and hybrid solar energy systems available for homes. Also offers solar pool heating services along with general heating and cooling services.
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.
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.
Residential solar plus hybrid water heater, pool pump and fiberglass installation in parts of Arizona, Florida and Nevada. Warranties honored, even if the manufacturer goes out of business. Loans available.
Residential solar, commercial solar and EV charging. Services in Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa, Florida. Products from Enphase Energy, the REC Group, SunPower and Tesla. Includes limited workmanship warranty.
Residential and commercial solar panel design and installation plus solar hot water heating and solar pool heating. Serves Orange County, Florida. Financing options and warranties available.
Residential installation of solar energy systems in parts of Arizona and Florida. Offers 25 to 30-year manufacturer’s warranties on solar panels from Aptos Solar Technology, Qcells and Silfab. Finance with a loan.
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.
Solar energy system installation in many Florida cities, including Daytona, Jacksonville and Tampa. Zero down on financing for those with preapproval. Systems include products from brands like JinkoSolar and Enphase Energy.
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.
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.
Solar panels for homes. Products from brands like Enphase Energy, the REC Group and Tesla. Offices in nine states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.