Best Solar Companies in West Palm Beach, FL

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

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 9 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?

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

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.