The best solar installers in Florida
A geographically balanced top 5 spanning South Florida (Miami metro), Tampa Bay, Central Florida (Orlando/Sanford), and Northeast Florida (Jacksonville) — so homeowners in the state's four largest metros have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For Southwest Florida (Naples/Fort Myers) and other regions, see the Honorable mentions below.
Goldin Solar Local
Why listed: South Florida's strongest-reviewed local installer — among the highest-rated FL installers on EnergySage and SolarReviews. Specializes in tile-roof installs (common in South FL) and hurricane-rated mounting hardware. Tesla Powerwall Premier Installer and Enphase Platinum partner.
Solar Source Local
Why listed: Founded 1985 — one of the longest-tenured residential solar contractors in Florida. Family-owned, Tampa Bay-headquartered, BBB A+. Licensed Florida Certified Solar Contractor (CVC) handling everything from design through PTO in-house with no subcontracting.
SunVena Solar Local
Why listed: Orlando-area HQ with regional branches across Florida's biggest metros. Florida-licensed solar contractor that handles county-level permitting variations directly — important in FL where every county has different rules. Tesla Powerwall and Enphase certified.
A1A Solar Contracting Local
Why listed: Northeast Florida's leading residential installer — the strongest Jacksonville-side option for homeowners on JEA or FPL in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties. Florida Certified Solar Contractor with NABCEP-certified staff. Handles JEA's interconnection process routinely.
Solar Bear Local
Why listed: Veteran-owned Clearwater-based installer with strong reputation across Tampa Bay and the Atlantic Coast. Florida Certified Solar Contractor. Strong on the Duke Energy, OUC, and TECO interconnection processes — useful if you're outside FPL territory where many national installers default their assumptions.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Florida residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — Florida-HQ company; warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast but doesn't serve Florida), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Florida solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Florida average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.65–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Full retail net metering (still 1:1 in 2026, though under regulatory pressure) |
| Average cash payback | 13–15 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Florida solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Florida stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Florida state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: Property tax exemption for added solar value (FL Statute 196.182).
- Sales tax: Sales tax exemption for residential solar PV equipment (FL Statute 212.08).
Net metering & utility programs in Florida
FL has full 1:1 retail-rate net metering through 2026 — one of the strongest in the country. Periodic legislative attempts to reduce it have surfaced; lock in grandfathered terms via your utility interconnection agreement at PTO. See also net metering explained.
- Florida Power & Light (FPL): 1:1 retail NEM up to 2 MW. www.fpl.com
- Duke Energy Florida: 1:1 retail NEM. www.duke-energy.com
- Tampa Electric (TECO): 1:1 retail NEM. www.tampaelectric.com
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): NEM + battery rebate (verify 2026). www.ouc.com
- JEA (Jacksonville): 1:1 retail NEM. www.jea.com
Florida battery storage incentives
OUC residential battery storage rebate (verify 2026 amount and budget).
Florida EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Florida utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- Florida Energy Systems Consortium: www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=FL — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Florida
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Florida installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Florida installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional Florida-based installers worth getting a quote from — strong alternatives for homeowners in Tampa Bay, the Treasure Coast, Southwest Florida, and other metros not fully covered by the top 5.
Other Florida-based installers
Tampa Bay Solar Local
Why listed: Veteran-owned Tampa-area residential installer with strong customer reviews. A second strong Tampa-side option if you want comparison bids against Solar Source.
Solar Trek Local
Why listed: Central Florida installer with strong presence in The Villages and surrounding retirement communities. Family-owned, BBB-listed, EnergySage-screened.
Green City Solar Local
Why listed: North Fort Myers-based SWFL installer (established 2014) covering Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties — the strongest local option for homeowners on LCEC or FPL across Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs. Handles residential PV, battery backup, and solar pool/water heaters; relevant hurricane-rated mount experience post-Ian.
Solar Energy Management (SEM) Local
Why listed: Sarasota-area residential installer. Florida Certified Solar Contractor with solid SolarReviews presence — useful for the Sarasota/Manatee corridor between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers.
Tip: Florida is one of the few remaining states with full 1:1 net metering at retail rate, but watch the state legislature — periodic attempts to reduce the buyback rate have surfaced. Lock in a long-term grandfather provision via your utility's interconnection agreement at PTO. Also, Florida property-tax exemption for added solar value is automatic but requires the installer to file the right paperwork; ask for confirmation in writing.
Frequently asked questions about Florida solar
Does solar make sense in Florida?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Florida's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Florida solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Florida solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Florida; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.