Best Solar Companies in Tallahassee, FL

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Tallahassee are comparable, ranging from $8,278 to $23,652.

The average Tallahassee household needs a system with a capacity of 11.17 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. You might need a smaller or larger one, depending on how much energy you and your family use.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Tallahassee

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. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright. Solar loans have relatively low fixed interest rates.
• 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. The biggest downside if you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Tally homeowners with solar panels can avoid $36,022 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).

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

A typical residential solar panel installation costs $25,021 in Tallahassee. 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 later. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

Considering rising energy prices and changes to Florida’s net metering policies, investing in solar panels plus an energy battery system can pay off over time. It also gives control over your energy use. As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. 

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

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.

• Avoid scams: One of Tallahassee’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.
• Check certifications: Solar companies must apply for panel certification through Florida Solar Energy Center’s (FSEC) 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 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

Going solar in Leon County

Residents can get low-interest solar loans through the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) and the City of Tallahassee Utilities. There’s also Tallahassee Solar, a solar farm program that lets residents tap into renewable energy without the hassle of installing the panels on their property.

Residents can also take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida, including a 100% property tax abatement for residential solar installations until 2037.

The newly funded Solar for All program aims to make solar panels more accessible to low-income households, especially those in historically underserved communities, in the near future. However, the PACE program is not currently available in Leon County.

Federal tax credit

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

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

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 Tallahassee

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