Best Solar Companies in West Palm Beach, FL

We compared 8 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,996)
    • Performance guarantee
      Palmetto Solar
      3.0(4)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in West Palm Beach, FL

      Our top solar company picks for West Palm Beach

      1. Best overall: Sunrun
      2. Great performance guarantee: Palmetto Solar
      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.
      • 4,547,329 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare the top 3 solar companies in West Palm Beach

      The best solar companies in West Palm Beach

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most West Palm Beachers’s energy needs, considering the tropical rainforest 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.

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      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

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Occasional billing issues
      • Some customer service complaints
      Our pick for performance guarantee

      Palmetto Solar

      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2015

      Palmetto Solar connects homeowners and solar energy installers. In-house project management and active system monitoring also set it apart from other solar options.

      Maintenance and service are only included if you lease through Palmetto. Optional service plan upgrades are available for those who purchase or finance.

      Palmetto Solar has had the mission of "flipping the traditional solar industry model on its head" since 2015. The company has developed software to calculate your monthly savings instantly, and its decentralized network of solar sellers and installers gives you quick access to service and support.

      • Services: Reps provide a concierge-style service, working with you through the design, permitting, installation and inspection processes to ensure everything goes as planned.
      • Warranty information: The Essentials warranty package covers panels for 25 years, inverters for 12 years, workmanship for 10 years and roof penetration for five years. The optional Performance warranty includes everything in the Essentials plan, plus a 95% performance guarantee and coverage for parts and labor.
      • Payment options: The majority of customers finance their solar energy systems with a loan. A solar lease is also an option.

      Pros

      • Free consultations
      • Active system monitoring
      • In-house project management
      • 95% production guarantee (optional)

      Cons

      • Limited price transparency
      • Some communication issues

      ShopSolar

      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “ShopSolarKits was the best deal, and they had lots of videos that were very informative. Once you're registered, you can see a huge assortment of videos. I don’t really know much about solar, so I was kind of starting fresh, and it was good because they kind of break it down into baby steps. Then once you know what's going on, then you can keep moving on to the more advanced stuff. … The cost is expensive, but the return on investment is good, so it's a good value. I look at things in terms of value, not just cost, because when you get something back over time, it ends up being better value. I try to get good products so they last a long time and I get a good return on investment. A lot of the products that they offer are like that. They're not the really cheap stuff you get on Amazon. There are other alternatives, but they don't have very good reviews and they don't offer as good of a warranty.” — Juan in West Palm Beach

      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. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials 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

      How we chose the best solar companies in West Palm Beach

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in West Palm Beach 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

      West Palm Beach solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Floridians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what West Palm Beach 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 $25,606 in West Palm Beach.

      Jump to insight

      Make sure your solar installation has hurricane-resistant mounting and anchoring techniques.

      Jump to insight

      On average, West Palm Beach homeowners with solar panels avoid $42,039 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in West Palm Beach

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,945 to $22,700 in Florida. Prices in West Palm Beach are comparable, ranging from $8,265 to $23,613.

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar battery, which is sometimes 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.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. The average West Palm Beach household needs a system with a capacity of 11.33 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 West Palm Beach

      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. The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) program has low-interest solar loans up to $50,000 with 7.99% to 8.25% APR. Terms are between three and 10 years.
      • Florida Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a program that offers financing for residential and commercial solar projects. Interest rates are between 6% and 12.99%.
      • 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 West Palm Beach?

      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. However, solar loans and leases have minimal upfront costs.

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

      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, West Palm Beach homeowners with solar panels can avoid $42,039 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      NREL’s PVWatts Calculator and Project Sunroof are free online tools to estimate solar energy production and potential savings on your house. If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

      » 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 West Palm Beach

      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: 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.
      • Avoid scams: According to the Florida Attorney General, common solar scams are related to misleading contract terms and over-promised savings. Another one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in Palm Beach County

      West Palm Beach’s Solar United Neighbors provides residents with access to solar through solar farms. Registration is free, and the co-op does not require customers to purchase their own solar panels. Applications are being accepted until Sept 6. 2024.

      » GREENEST STATES: Florida ranked 32nd in 2024

      Solar incentives in West Palm Beach

      Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in Florida and local programs.

      The federal solar investment tax credit is still the best incentive for most homeowners. The ITC 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.

      Additional solar incentives in West Palm Beach

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

      West Palm Beach solar FAQ

      How does net metering work in West Palm Beach?

      Net metering lets you earn credits for sending any of your extra solar energy into the Florida Power & Light grid. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy. However, Florida is gradually decreasing the value of net metering credits.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in West Palm Beach?

      Yes, West Palm Beach requires a permit for solar installations. An expedited solar permit application must be filled out by licensed solar contractors once a building permit application has been submitted.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Under Florida law, property owners are free to install solar panels despite HOA regulations. HOAs can recommend placement within 45 degrees of due south, but they can’t stop the installation or harm panel efficiency.

      Can I get solar panels for free in West Palm Beach?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach

      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 West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach 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. Palmetto Solar
      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 West Palm Beach, FL." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "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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