Best Solar Companies in Tampa, Florida

We compared 3 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,093)
    • Good customer service
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(284)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Tampa, Florida

    Our top solar company picks for Tampa

    1. Best overall: Sunrun
    2. Good customer service: Freedom Solar Power
    3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    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 who 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.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
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    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    The best solar companies in Tampa

    Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Tampa residents’s energy needs, considering the humid subtropical climate.

    Our top pick overall
    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a recent two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others.

    • “I enrolled with Sunrun and everything was straightforward. The installers were there at 7:30 in the morning and they were done by 11:30. Sunrun was very professional and I had a good experience. I'm quite happy with my system. I'm very satisfied going solar.” — Jean Marc in Tampa
    • “Going solar is perfect. I love it. During summertime, my electric bill is down into single digits and it’s no more than $50 during wintertime. The people who came and did the installation told me I have the second largest personal solar system in the state of Florida. It still only took them two days to install it. They were amazing. They cleaned up and took care of the property. I had just a new roof installed and Sunrun said that for 25 years, if anything happens to the panels or the roof, it's covered under their warranty, which was why I went with them.” — Edward in Tampa

    “Enrolling with Sunrun was pleasant, but it's been difficult to communicate with them,” Marcus in Tampa told us. “When I attempted to call, I left messages and never got return calls. Besides that, the initial installation went fine, and the people that installed the system worked carefully. I would give my recommendation.”

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

    Pros

    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Roof warranty

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Occasional billing issues
    • Some customer service complaints
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Freedom Solar Power
    Max. panel efficiency
    22.8%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2007

    We spoke with over 200 Freedom Solar customers nationwide. Over a recent two-year period, 92% were satisfied with the installation and setup, 94% were pleased with the price and 85% were happy with the customer service. People also like using the app to track their solar energy production post-installation.

    • “I've had a great experience with Freedom Solar. They are thorough and very knowledgeable of their product. I've had a lower bill since going solar, which has been fantastic.” — Annice in Tampa

    Freedom Solar isn’t necessarily the cheapest option. We think the quality makes it worth it, but you might want to shop around and compare a few quotes.

    Freedom Solar installs American-designed solar panels and offers two reliable backup battery options, the Tesla Powerwall and the SunPower SunVault.

    • Services: Freedom Solar designs and installs custom solar panel systems for homes, handling everything from site assessment and permitting to installation and activation. It offers various battery storage options, system maintenance and repairs to help homeowners optimize energy generation.
    • Warranty information: Freedom Solar Power offers a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed to remain between 84% and 92% of the original production for 25 years.
    • Payment options: You can pay upfront or secure a loan through one of their financing partners. Freedom does not currently offer solar leases.

    Pros

    • Excellent customer service
    • 24/7 performance monitoring
    • Transferable warranty
    • In-house, NABCEP-certified installers

    Cons

    • Somewhat limited availability
    • No in-house financing
    2x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    ShopSolar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018

    ShopSolar offers fast delivery on equipment for DIY solar projects. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

    Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific needs and energy requirements. While the company doesn't offer direct installation services, online courses and video guides are available.
    • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

    Pros

    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support

    Cons

    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

    How we chose the best solar companies in Tampa

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Tampa based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in Tampa Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      Tampa solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Tampa 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 $22,090 in Tampa. However, solar loans and leases have minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      It’s financially worth it for many in the long run. On average, Tampa homeowners with solar panels avoid $42,111 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and local incentives are designed to make solar more affordable for residents.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Tampa

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in Tampa are comparable, ranging from $7,834 to $22,382.

      The size of your system is a significant factor in your overall costs. The average Tampa household needs a system with a capacity of 10.42 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 Tampa

      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 PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Tampa?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Florida if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. 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, Tampa homeowners with solar panels can avoid $42,111 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. A typical residential solar panel installation costs $22,090 in Tampa. However, that 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 you live in an area with frequent blackouts.

      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 — 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 again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Tampa

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

      Going solar in Hillsborough County

      The Sun Select Program lets residents tap into a renewable energy source without owning their own panels. Tampa Electric Company customers can take advantage of community solar generation to match 25% to 100% of their electricity use.

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

      Solar incentives in Tampa

      The state added a large amount of solar capacity in the first half of 2023, but relatively little of that was rooftop solar. That’s partially because of state government and utilities seeking to limit incentives for rooftop solar installations, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

      Residents can still take advantage of a few solar incentives in Florida and local programs, including a 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 Florida.

      Federal solar tax credit

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for a lot of homeowners in Tampa. 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.

      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. 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 Tampa

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

      Tampa solar FAQ

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Tampa?

      As of September 2023, Hillsborough County has an electrical permit fee for residential and commercial solar systems. This fee is $590 for commercial projects and $190 for residential. All building projects in Florida over $2,500 must also submit a Notice of Commencement outlining the scope of their home improvements.

      How does net metering work in Tampa?

      Net metering lets you earn credits for the excess energy your solar panels produce and send into the grid. Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and Duke Energy Florida, the primary utility providers in the area, offer net metering programs.

      However, the sooner you get started, the better. Florida is 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.

      » GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      In Florida, property owners have a legal right to install solar panels. Homeowners associations can’t block installations but may suggest a placement as long as it doesn’t negatively impact performance.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Tampa?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Tampa. You can lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.

      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 Tampa

      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 Tampa, 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 Tampa 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. Sunrun
      2. Freedom Solar Power
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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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:

        1. DSIRE, "Florida Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Florida." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Tampa, FL." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Florida Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Florida, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency "Solar for All." Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Federal Trade Commission, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        8. Solar and Energy Loan Fund, "Solar Products." Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
        9. FSEC, "Solar Certification." Accessed Aug. 15, 2024.
        10. The Florida Senate, "Net Metering." Accessed Aug. 15, 2024.
        11. Florida PACE Funding Agency, "About Florida PACE." Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.

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