The best solar companies in Florida hold an active solar contractor license with the Florida DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and have master electricians on staff. Here are our top picks for Florida solar companies (this list will continue to grow as we review more licenses).
Florida consistently ranks as one of the best places to convert to solar energy in the U.S., based on the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) criteria. With a state nickname like the Sunshine State, it’s not hard to see why. The abundant sunshine in the area — with 5.0 to 5.5 kWh per m2 per day — and the above-average energy demands mean that a solar energy system can pay for itself quickly and provide massive energy savings over time.
Our goal at LeafScore is not only to provide you with potential savings information for solar conversion but also to bring you solar installation company recommendations to get you there. We carry out extensive research on installers in your area to figure out which provide good customer service, affordable pricing, accessible financing options, and hold proper certification from the state and the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FLSEIA).
How We Select the Best Solar Installers in Florida
- Company holds the certified solar contractor license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and mandated by the FLSEIA
- At least one NABCEP-certified installer on each installation team
- No unresolved complaints on BBB
- Full general liability and worker’s comp insurance, as mandated by the state
- No open lawsuits; precedence is given to companies with no history of customer lawsuits
- At least five years of experience or 24 total installations
- Equipment warranties of 20 years or more, in line with the industry standard
- Workmanship and panel efficiency coverage for at least ten years
Why Trust This List?
While many other solar-centered websites review companies based on things like performance, price, and customer service, we take the time to confirm that each provider we recommend holds an active solar contractor license with the Florida DBPR and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Using the solar contractor license as the first thing we look at in a provider helps ensure that you’re getting an installer who not only is legally permitted to set up your system but will also do so safely to avoid system and property damage.
You can check for a company’s license status by doing an entity search on the DBPR’s MyFloridaLicense website. Use “Construction Industry” as the license category and “Certified Solar Contractor” as the license type. If you suspect that a contractor is operating without a license, you can file an “unlicensed activity complaint” by calling 1-866-532-1440.
We also look at each company’s track record in terms of customer complaints filed with the BBB, customer reviews on popular online review sites like Google and Yelp, and lawsuit history.
LeafScore Top Picks for Solar Installers in Florida
SunPower
Highlights: SunPower has been serving the solar industry for over 35 years, making it one of the most experienced installers in the entire country. According to CNBC, SunPower has completed around a staggering 400,000 residential installations.
In the past, SunPower has focused its efforts on developing and advancing solar technologies, setting multiple records for panel efficiency, most recently in 2016. Its products are widely considered the most advanced in the industry, and they’re backed by a 25-year all-inclusive warranty that covers the equipment, the installation labor, and the panel efficiency.
SunPower is moving to a new business model that involves in-house installations, although that will take some time. Right now, it outsources many of its installations to third parties, which does mean customer service can vary. However, it only works with NABCEP-certified installers that hold the proper licensing from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
SunPower only installs its own products. Not only are you limited to one brand, but the panels are also quite expensive. Still, many customers find that the quality, performance, and warranty coverage are well worth the additional cost.
Solar Source
Highlights: Solar Source is a much smaller solar panel installation company that is based in and operates exclusively in Central Florida. The company has four locations — one in Largo and three in Altamonte Springs — each of which holds its own solar contractor license that is listed as active in the DBPR database.
Solar Source has been serving Floridians since 1984 and has completed over 60,000 residential installations in the area. The experience is unrivaled by any other local installer, and each installation team has a NABCEP-certified technician on it, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands when you choose this provider.
The company’s warranty terms vary based on the specific products you have installed, but they range from ten to 25 years. Unlike many other providers, Solar Source covers roof penetrations under warranty. This is helpful for establishing peace of mind in an area like Florida, where rainfall can be intense during hurricane season, and annual accumulations are well above average.
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Additional Company Recommendations in Florida
We’re always expanding our database of company recommendations, but we take our time and research each provider in depth before recommending them to you. We’ll add additional recommendations for Florida solar installers as we carry out our research, and we’ll also update the above information if anything changes.