Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Year after year, more Estero homeowners use rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and lower their carbon footprint. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Estero. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current installation best 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. The Sunshine State also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should explain all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the option that aligns with your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
Estero homeowners typically spend about $12,004 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Estero cost roughly $3,210 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 5.3 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
All
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Residential: 100% of the added value
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, qualify for tax benefits, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Florida being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't achieve peak performance until summer arrives.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Estero amount to $1,153.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Estero area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
