Florida ranks among the top states for solar in the country, suiting its nickname of the Sunshine State. The This Old House team’s picks for the best solar companies in Florida include Sunrun, Blue Raven, and Palmetto Solar.
Choosing the right solar company can offer benefits such as flexible payment options, strong customer support, system protection plans, whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, and solid warranty coverage. Keep reading to learn more about each of these installers and other important information about going solar in Florida.
Top Solar Companies in Florida
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Support
- Elevation Solar: Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
- Green Home Systems: Best Solar Roofs
Comparing Top Solar Companies in Florida
Here’s a table comparing key information about solar companies in Florida, including our team’s ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and warranty lengths. We base our scores on a detailed rating methodology, while BBB ratings suggest overall customer sentiment. Similarly, a company’s warranty length can offer financial peace of mind by covering unexpected equipment repair costs.
Company | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | BBB Rating* | Warranty Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
SunrunGet Quote | ![]() | A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | |
Blue Raven SolarGet Quote | ![]() | A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | |
Palmetto SolarGet Quote | ![]() | A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | |
Elevation SolarGet Quote | ![]() | A+ | 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship | |
Green Home SystemsRead Our Review | ![]() | NR | 25-year equipment and workmanship |
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Sunrun is our top pick for Florida solar companies because of the company’s unique solar lease program, which eliminates upfront costs and offers a system production guarantee.
- The average cost of going solar in Florida is about $2.70 per watt, based on our team’s market research, or $27,000 for a 10 kilowatt (kW) system.
- Florida homeowners can save money by benefiting from multiple solar incentives, including a federal tax credit, state tax exemptions, financing options, and local rebates.
Our Reviews of the Best Florida Solar Companies
Check out our reviews and key information about the five best Florida solar companies below, including each installer’s credentials, warranty coverage, and customer feedback.
NABCEP Certified: Yes
Warranty Length: 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship, 10-year roof penetration
Performance Guarantee: 90% of estimated energy production after 25 years
Company Overview
- Industry leader offering solar leases and strong system production guarantees
- Largest solar company in the U.S. by market share and the first to reach a million customers
- Focuses on solar systems with battery backup for both energy independence and bill savings
Keep in Mind
- Solar leases may have longer terms and offer less savings over time compared to a cash purchase or loan
- Customer reviews suggest occasional periods of poor service
Our Review
Founded in 2007, Sunrun has become a household name in the solar industry with a strong market presence in Florida and nationwide. The company offers a “solar-as-a-service” model that focuses mainly on solar leases, which means buyers don’t have to worry about upfront costs, system monitoring, and repairs and maintenance.
With a Sunrun solar lease, Floridians can also enjoy a unique production guarantee in which the company will pay the difference if the system does not generate the promised amount of energy. Aside from its leasing program, Sunrun offers other advantages such as high-quality solar panels and batteries. Note that customers can also opt for cash-purchased systems with Sunrun if they wish to maximize savings over time.
Customer Feedback
To understand customer experience with Sunrun, we considered our 2025 survey of 1,000 solar customers nationwide and online reviews on platforms such as the BBB and Trustpilot.
Out of the 1,000 respondents to our solar survey, Sunrun was one of the most popular installers nationwide with 147 customers. Of those respondents, nearly 54% said they would recommend the company to family and friends, and 62% feel very satisfied with the overall service. Our results also showed that Sunrun’s pricing, payment options, and brand reputation encouraged homeowners to choose the installer. However, most respondents didn’t consider Sunrun’s sales team as an influential factor in their buying decision.
Sunrun has mixed online reviews, with positive reviews highlighting reliable sales representatives and quality workmanship. Negative reviews, however, mention issues with customer service.
NABCEP Certified: Yes
Warranty Length: 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship, 10-year roof penetration
Performance Guarantee: 50%–85% of estimated energy production
Company Overview
- Earns notably high customer ratings online, suggesting general customer satisfaction
- Offers a unique solar financing plan with $0 down solar and no payments for 18 months
- Installs solar equipment from leading brands such as REC, Maxeon, and Qcells
Keep in Mind
- Only offers solar services in Orlando, Florida
- No lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) options available
Our Review
Blue Raven Solar is one of the few solar companies we’ve reviewed with an average customer rating of 4 out of 5 stars on most online platforms, including Trustpilot. Blue Raven has grown rapidly from just three employees in 2014 to 3,200 last year. In Florida, Blue Raven specifically services homeowners in Orlando.
A noteworthy aspect of Blue Raven is its BluePower+ financing plan, which allows homeowners to buy a solar system for $0 down with no payments for the first 18 months. However, Blue Raven only offers cash-purchase and loan financing so you can’t lease a system or sign a PPA, both of which allow you to pay to use a system over a specific time. This can limit financing options for some customers.
Customer Feedback
Based on responses to our 2025 solar survey, most buyers were impressed with the price of installation and quality of solar panels Blue Raven offers. However, respondents were less influenced by the company’s financing options and available add-ons. Of the customers who purchased add-ons, most selected solar batteries. Over 67% of customers said they were very likely to recommend the company to friends and family.
We also looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot and found that customers have shared largely positive experiences with the company. Many reviewers praise the company’s high installation quality and customer service. However, some customers mention issues with more aggressive sales tactics.
NABCEP Certified: Yes
Warranty Length: 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship, 5-year roof penetration
Performance Guarantee: 95% of estimated energy production
Company Overview
- Offers a variety of clean energy products and services including solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charger installations, and HVAC servicing
- Uses a modern, artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform to connect homeowners with partnered local installers
- Offers loan financing options in Florida with systems starting around $85 per month
Keep in Mind
- Uses external partners for system installations, not in-house technicians, which can result in varying workmanship quality
- Some customer reviews suggest that the company pushes the lease model
Our Review
Palmetto Solar’s most unique aspect is its business model, which uses an AI-based platform to connect Floridians with partnered solar installers in their area. Known as the “Clean Energy Operating Platform,” it also offers other features such as showing if solar is feasible for a certain home and offering a quick quote based on basic customer information. Customers looking for post-installation service can also buy the Palmetto Protect plan. For a few dollars per month, this plan offers a 95% system performance guarantee, parts and labor coverage, and continuous real-time monitoring.
In Florida, Palmetto Solar promises reasonably priced systems starting at as low as $85 per month if you pay with a loan. Customers can also choose the LightReach program, which is the company’s name for its solar PPA. This service includes system installation and maintenance along with a 90% production guarantee. If performance falls below that value, Palmetto offers compensation for the difference.
Customer Feedback
Our 2025 national solar survey showed that Palmetto customers generally like the company’s installation costs, financing options, and panel efficiency. More than half of respondents said they were satisfied with their solar panels. However, most customers were not fully satisfied with the workmanship warranty or sales representatives.
We also read through numerous online reviews of Palmetto and found that several customers praised the company for its installation and equipment quality. However, negative reviews mentioned unreliable support and a strong focus on leasing, which some customers may not prefer.
NABCEP Certified: Yes
Warranty Length: 25-year equipment, lifetime workmanship warranty, 10-year roof penetration
Company Overview
- Offers a variety of energy-efficiency products and services
- Conducts whole home energy audits to determine the best ways for customers to save energy and money
- Provides a lifetime workmanship warranty for installed systems, unlike most other companies we’ve reviewed
Keep in Mind
- Some customer reviews suggest the company’s Curb app has frequent issues
- Has less industry and nationwide experience compared to competitors such as Sunrun
Our Review
Powered by Elevation provides a unique, holistic approach to going solar with a three-stage package called “Elevated Home.” The first stage analyzes a home’s energy usage and efficiency losses to reduce consumption. The second stage uses the company’s smart energy monitoring system called “Curb,” which provides insights into energy usage patterns to help reduce bills. Once the energy efficiency of a house is maximized, the installer then designs and installs a custom solar system for your home.
Although Elevated Home is an optional package, it can reduce the number of solar panels needed and in turn, lower your overall upfront cost. The provider also offers high-quality solar equipment and multiple payment options.
Customer Feedback
In reviewing our 2025 survey data, we noticed a majority of respondents said that Elevation’s pricing was a significant factor in choosing the company. Several respondents also reported choosing Elevation for its panel quality and efficiency. Overall, nearly 74% of Elevation customers feel very satisfied with their solar panels.
We also looked at Elevation’s online reviews and found that customers generally seem impressed with the company’s sales and customer service representatives. However, some reviewers expressed frustration with using the Curb energy monitoring app.
NABCEP Certified: Yes
Warranty Length: 25-year equipment, 25-year workmanship, 10-year roof penetration
Performance Guarantee: 25-year guarantee
Company Overview
- Offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty structure covering solar panels, inverters, and system workmanship
- Has 15 years of industry experience with more than 11,000 solar customers
- Offers backup generators and roofing services in addition to solar systems
Keep in Mind
- Does not offer some other clean energy services such as EV chargers
- Some customer reviews have mentioned poor customer service
Our Review
The biggest highlight of Green Home Systems is its warranty structure. Previously called the “Triple Platinum Warranty,” this bumper-to-bumper coverage includes solar panels, inverters, and workmanship for 25 years. This length surpasses some other companies we’ve reviewed, notably for those offering an average of 10 years for system installation or workmanship.
Green Home Systems maintains a Florida office in Jacksonville, and boasts a strong industry experience of over 15 years. Customers choosing Green Home Systems receive equipment made by some of the best solar brands, including Panasonic, Enphase, Solaredge, and Qcells. Plus, the company offers backup generators and roofing services along with solar installations.
Customer Feedback
Since Green Home Systems was not represented in our solar survey, we analyzed customer reviews to gain more insights. At the time of this writing, the company had an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on the BBB, which is higher than several competitors. Positive reviews describe a seamless consultation and installation processes. However, several reviewers pointed out slow customer service speeds after system installations.
Local Florida Solar Companies
In addition to national installers such as Sunrun, a number of local solar companies operate in Florida. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, over 500 companies currently operate in the state, including 253 installers. Choosing a local company can come with its own benefits, including the possibility of lower pricing and more local incentive and policy knowledge.
One example is Affordable Solar, Roof, and Air (ASRA), a local installer based in Clearwater, Florida. The company maintains a higher-than-average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the BBB and offers HVAC and roofing services in addition to solar installations. ASRA offers the benefits of a national company, such as quality equipment and multiple payment options, with more personalized customer service.
Solar Insights and Incentives in Florida
Florida’s solar energy capacity has grown by a staggering 4,832% in just 10 years, as reported by Environment America. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Florida uses seven times the energy it produces, which means despite ranking third in national solar power, the state still has plenty of growth potential.
For those thinking about going solar in Florida, solar incentives can help you save on the upfront system cost. Learn more about the incentives available in the state in the following sections.
Florida Incentives and Rebates
Homeowners can reduce the upfront cost of a solar system and increase long-term savings by applying for solar incentives in Florida. Some incentives worth mentioning include the 30% federal tax credit, local rebates, and state tax exemptions. We’ve outlined more information about Florida’s available incentives and potential savings below.
Incentive | Details |
---|---|
Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Offers a federal tax credit that equals 30% of your total solar system cost, which you can deduct from your income tax burden for the year you install panels |
Property Tax Exemption of Renewable Energy Source Devices | Exempts the value of solar systems from your property’s value, which means your taxes won’t increase despite installing solar panels |
Solar Energy Systems Sales and Use Tax Exemption | Exempts all solar energy system components from the state’s 6% sales and use tax |
Florida Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing | Offers long-term, fixed-rate loans that homeowners can repay with additions to their property taxes |
Boynton Beach Energy Edge Rebate Program | Solar systems larger than 5 kW in size and installed by certified technicians can claim a $1,500 rebate |
City of Dunedin Solar Energy Grant Program | Dunedin residents can get a direct rebate of $0.25 per watt of system capacity for installing a solar power system, up to $2,500 max |
Florida Net Metering | Solar panel owners can send excess energy into the grid in exchange for billing credits valued at the retail rate (accumulated credits will get reimbursed at the end of the year at a lower rate) |
How To Choose the Best Solar Company
As previously mentioned, Florida has over 500 solar companies operating in the state. With so many available options, choosing the right company can feel confusing. Below is a list of factors to consider when exploring solar companies in your area.
- Company reputation and stability: A solar company’s overall reputation can help you determine whether it’s trustworthy. Reliable installers have strong customer ratings and industry experience. It’s also important to look for companies with financial stability, as solar companies going out of business is somewhat common in Florida and nationwide. As a customer, you gain the most value by hiring a reputable solar company that can honor your warranties and service promises over time.
- Pricing: Solar panels can save homeowners money on utility bills over a system’s 25- to 30-year lifespan, but come with sizable upfront costs. This makes the price of a system an important factor in the buying process. Generally, a solar system costs around $25,000, but prices may vary depending on the installer, location, and equipment. While a lower-priced system can result in a faster payback period, it may use cheaper equipment that could break down frequently and degrade faster.
- Equipment quality and warranties: As mentioned above, equipment quality is a key factor that helps determine how much energy your system will generate, how long it will last, and maintenance needs. Equipment sourced from Tier-1 manufacturers is typically considered more reliable and can offer peace of mind over multiple decades as a result.
- Services offered: A home may need more than just solar panels for maximum energy bill savings and optimal system performance. For this reason, we recommend choosing an installer with a wide array of services. Your home may need a roof upgrade before installing solar, for example, or better insulation along with solar panels. In such cases, choosing a provider that offers these services can make the process easier.
How Much Does Installing Solar in Florida Cost?
The average cost of going solar in Florida is $2.70 per watt. However, the final price of a solar panel system can depend on several factors such as the type of equipment, installer, location, and system size and complexity. Check out the table below for pricing details across different system sizes.
System Size | Cost Per Watt | Total Installed System Cost | Cost After the Federal Tax Credit* |
---|---|---|---|
5 kW | $2.70 | $13,500 | $9,450 |
6 kW | $2.70 | $16,200 | $11,340 |
7 kW | $2.70 | $18,900 | $13,230 |
8 kW | $2.70 | $21,600 | $15,120 |
*The federal tax credit is worth 30% of your installed solar system cost.
Cost of Solar in Florida vs. the National Average
The cost of solar in Florida is slightly lower than the national average at $2.70 versus $2.75 per watt. However, the state’s solar potential also means that homeowners can potentially use smaller systems for the same energy output, further reducing the overall system cost.
Florida | National Average | |
---|---|---|
Average system size | 10 kW* | 7 kW |
Price per watt | $2.70 | $2.75 |
*Average state system size sourced from Statista.
FAQs About Solar Companies in Florida
What is the best solar company in Florida?
Our study of Florida’s solar industry, combined with our marked research, showed that the top solar installer in Florida is Sunrun. However, several other top-rated solar companies operate in Florida, including Blue Raven, Palmetto, Powered by Elevation, and Green Home Systems.
How much does solar cost in Florida?
The average cost of a solar system in Florida is $2.70 per watt, based on our team’s market research. This means that a typical, 10 kW system in the Sunshine State would cost around $27,000 before incentives. This number can drop by over 30% after applying the multiple incentives available in the state.
How many solar companies operate in Florida?
According to the SEIA, around 512 solar companies serve Floridians. This includes 70 manufacturing companies, 253 solar system installers, and 189 companies classified as “others.”
What are the benefits of installing solar panels in Florida?
Installing solar panels in Florida is highly beneficial considering the state’s sunny climate. Solar power reduces a home’s electricity bills by using clean energy, which also means a lowered carbon footprint for your home. Florida’s strong sunshine means homeowners can typically achieve high power production using relatively smaller systems. Some other benefits of going solar in Florida include the potential for an increased home value and energy independence from the power grid.
How We Evaluated Florida Solar Companies
Our team uses a detailed methodology to rate and review solar installers. With this rating system, we assign points based on the most important aspects of the solar buying experience, such as services, cost, and company reputation. We then add up the points across each evaluation factor and convert the result into a 5-star rating.
Below are the key factors we considered when ranking Florida solar installers:
- Solar equipment and installation: High-quality solar equipment can offer more power generation, slower degradation, resulting in higher energy bill savings and a longer lifespan. On the other hand, poor-quality equipment produces less energy, is more prone to malfunctions, and degrades faster. Installation quality can also affect power generation and system maintenance requirements. For these reasons, we rated companies offer quality equipment and workmanship higher in our review.
- Warranty and performance guarantees: Strong warranties can offer financial protection against equipment repair and maintenance costs, while performance guarantees ensure your system works over time. We gave companies more points in our review for offering warranties that meet or exceed industry standards of 25-years for equipment and 10-years for system installation or workmanship.
- Brand reputation and professional certifications: The reputation of a solar installer matters as much as the equipment. A brand with a good reputation is more likely to offer smooth installation and reliable service as needed. Trustworthy companies usually also have professional certifications and industry accreditations for added credibility. Companies exhibiting these factors scored more favorably in our review.
- Financing options: Companies with a larger variety of financing options received a higher rating in our review for allowing homeowners with various budgets to install a solar system. Most installers on our list offer four financing options: a cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease, and PPA.
- Industry experience: Solar companies with longer industry experience likely have performed more installations, which can result in fewer issues. Having industry experience also helps with installation stages such as permitting and incentive applications. For our review, companies with 10 or more years of experience received the most points.
- State availability: For this review, we only looked at companies that operate in Florida. However, our rating system assigns more points to companies that work in a greater number of states, which can reflect a more diverse experience overall.