Best Solar Companies in Sarasota, FL

Solar panel costs in Sarasota

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Sarasota are comparable, ranging from $7,490 to $21,400. 

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Sarasota’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor. 

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Sarasota

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. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
• Solar for All is a newly funded program that aims to make solar panels more accessible to low-income households, especially those in historically underserved communities, in the near future.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Is solar worth it in Sarasota?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Sarasota homeowners with solar panels can avoid $56,077 in total utility costs over 25 years.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering Florida averages 3.5 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator. 

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 again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Sarasota

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: We recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• 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.

Going solar in Sarasota County

According to the Florida Attorney General, common solar scams are related to pressuring salespeople, misleading contract terms and over-promised savings.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Florida ranked 34th in 2024

Residential solar panel incentives in Sarasota

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Sarasota homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

Don’t get confused: 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.

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. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year. 

You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Florida to maximize savings.