10 Best Solar Companies in Alachua, FL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can pass two exams 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.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.

• Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to check key details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
• Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local electric utility to determine your potential savings.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Alachua

Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The average solar system in Alachua has a capacity of 5.7 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,210 per kilowatt; the average Alachua homeowners spends roughly $12,791 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.