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.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Port St. Lucie, Florida, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Port St. Lucie to help you find the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can choose a local Port St. Lucie solar company or use a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Port St. Lucie homeowners to save $1,200 on average each year.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Look for Port St. Lucie solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Port St. Lucie, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar include these:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select extras like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Based on numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Port St. Lucie has a typical cost of $11,797.
Though installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
After fully switching to solar power, Port St. Lucie homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Several solar incentives are available to Port St. Lucie homeowners. Certain programs are available to all Florida residents, though others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for Florida residents, as listed in DSIRE:
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 |
Rebate Program Fort Pierce Utilities Authority - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Solar Hot Water Heater: $450 per unit Insulation (New): $0.40 per square ft Insulation (Added): $0.125 per square ft ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $50 per unit ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner: $150 per unit High Efficiency Central A/C: $500 Tank Water Heater: $300 - $550 per unit Tankless Water Heater: $550 - $675 per unit Clothes Dryer: $100 - $200 per unit Range: $100 - $150 per unit Furnace: $500 - $725 per unit |
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, go over these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, 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 a higher wattage.
For extra power storage, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased installation costs.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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