10 best solar companies in Clearwater, Florida
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Clearwater, Florida, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the leading solar panel companies in Clearwater.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can select a local solar company in Clearwater or opt for a leading national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Clearwater homeowners to save $1,400 on average each year.
Different solar companies offer different products. Take the time to compare each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Clearwater
Seek out Clearwater solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Solar Source
Services Offered
Affordable Solar Roof & Air
Services Offered
Green House Solar and Air Inc
Services Offered
Flo Energy
Services Offered
ESD Solar
Services Offered
Efficient Home Services
Services Offered
Duralast Roofing and Solar
Services Offered
Expert Solar
Services Offered
Florida Solar LLC
Services Offered
Unicity Solar Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Clearwater?
The Clearwater region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Clearwater
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearwater?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, system size, labor costs, sunlight availability, roof orientation and shading. Opting for accessories such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will raise the overall cost.
According to numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Clearwater has a typical cost of $11,854.
How much can you save by going solar in Clearwater?
Installing solar panels requires sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Clearwater from going solar
In Clearwater, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Clearwater's average payback period for solar is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in Clearwater: Clearwater homeowners can anticipate saving about $1,405 annually on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save approximately $25,783 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Clearwater from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 16 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 400 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Clearwater?
Homeowners in Clearwater can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all Florida residents, and others differ by your municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Florida residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption | All |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property | Residential: 100% of the added value Non-Residential: 80% of the added value |
PACE Financing Florida PACE programs | Determined locally |
Loan Program Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $5,000 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Clearwater solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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