Best 10 Solar Companies in Gainesville, FL

With Gainesville's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll show you Gainesville's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Gainesville solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the best:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Gainesville solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Gainesville community for more than a decade.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gainesville Homeowners?

Florida homeowners who choose solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gainesville

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider all of these criteria in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can pass two tests to earn a CV license with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Solar installers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville

The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $16,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Gainesville. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Gainesville solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Gainesville

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Gainesville.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy