Best Solar Installation Companies in Miami

There’s no shortage of sunlight in Miami. Why not put the power of the sun to use and lower your electric bill in the process? Miami residents are dealing with an intense combination this year: record-breaking temperatures and skyrocketing electricity prices . Energy costs in Florida have seen double-digit increases in recent years, at a time when residents are using more electricity to keep their homes cool.

Investing in rooftop solar could help. There's a hefty initial investment involved, solar panels can greatly reduce your monthly electricity bill and help you take advantage of that intense Florida sunlight. Florida has some of the cheapest solar costs in the country and the federal solar tax credit can help ease some of the financial burden.



This large tax credit, created by the Inflation Reduction Act , allows you to recoup up to 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system. Miami residents can benefit from local incentives too, as Florida has a very favorable net metering policy , helping you to pay back your panels quicker . Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

Best national solar panel companies in Miami The first (and most important) step in your solar journey is to find a reputable installer. The following installers operate in Miami and earned some of the highest scores in CNET's ranking of the best national solar companies . Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they're also unfamiliar.

If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it's working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto's monitoring service in to your payback period calculations. Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia Palmetto Solar has more robust service for after installation than most other companies, though it might cost you a bit.

All customers receive third-party monitoring and proactive communication when some part of their solar system malfunctions. Palmetto also receives an A-plus from the Better Business Bureau. Palmetto offers quality solar equipment and is one of the few companies that offers Sonnen's batteries.

Palmetto's workmanship warranty is 10 years and its weatherization warranty is 5 years. EnergyPal is more than just a middleman. It'll handle your solar installation from beginning to end while also allowing you to benefit from its proprietary engine and competitive bidding process.

The company offers a range of hardware for panels, batteries and inverters, has plentiful financing options and offers responsive customer service support. EnergyPal review . If you're looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice.

But don't write it off if you're looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people. All 50 states SunPower Solar offers top-of-the-line solar panels and strong warranties.

The solar panels SunPower offers have industry leading efficiency marks (22.8%) and a warranty that guarantees at least 92% production after 25 years. It earns an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau.

SunPower now installs batteries in four sizes, all of which come with strong warranties. SunPower's solar panels might be a bit more expensive than others (though accurate pricing industry wide is hard to come by). The company has said it plans to continue rolling out more accessible solar solutions and started installing solar panels from Qcells this year.

Elevation's focus on your home's energy efficiency isn't the norm in the industry. If you're planning on addressing energy efficiency first, working with Elevation allows you to keep the whole process with one company. Elevation's solar equipment comes from well-established and well-regarded companies.

Elevation's warranties on workmanship and weatherization could be a bit longer. Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Texas Elevation is a solar installer operating in several states, mostly in the Southwest, and emphasises more than just solar panel installation. The company touts itself as an energy efficiency business, focusing just as much on assessing and improving the efficiency of homes.

Elevation offers a price match guarantee and in-house labor. It installs Qcells solar panels, among other brands, and battery brands including Enphase and Tesla. Solar Energy World isn't a national player, but it shouldn't be overlooked if you're on the East Coast.

The company has a long history of solar installations, an extremely generous warranty period, and positive customer reviews. You can choose from tier-one rooftop solar panels from brands like QCells, Silfab, and Longi, along with battery and inverter choices from SolarEdge and Enphase. Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.

C.. Solar Energy World is an East Coast-based solar company that has been in business for 15 years.

This gives it a strong reputation in a solar energy market that has faced serious headwinds in recent years. The company is available in eight states, and like other in-house solar installers, it handles everything involved in the permitting, inspections and installation process. Notably, customers can choose from tier-one rooftop solar panels like QCells, Silfab and Longi.

Solar batteries are among CNET's top picks, including Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge and Enphase. Popular inverter choices include Enhpase and SolarEdge, which also take spots in CNET's best inverter list. Warranties are the real selling point, though.

Solar Energy World offers a 30-year "Triple Platinum" warranty for all parts and labor, which covers the cost of site visits, labor, and part replacements during your warranty period. Notably, this includes weatherization as well. The only exception is that removing and reinstalling the panels will be covered for 10 years if a roof replacement is required.

It's one of the best warranties we've seen from any solar company, and combined with positive customer reviews, it makes Solar Energy World worth considering. Include Freedom Forever in your search if you want the backing of a national company that installs a wide variety of the most popular solar equipment available. Freedom Forever also extends a couple of products that take some of the pain and risk out of going solar, like a production guarantee and an escrow option with cash purchases.

Online reviews say customer satisfaction has been low of late, though the company says that's changing. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

, Wisconsin Freedom Forever, one of the largest American solar installers, installs some of the most popular residential equipment. It offers a production guarantee and an uncommon cash escrow option is a welcome step toward a less stressful process. Freedom Forever has had customer service issues, with complaints of paying for a nonfunctional system while dealing with poor communication and long waits.

Some recent customers have had flawless experiences, but those reviews appear alongside many more negative ones. The company says things have turned around after a bad stretch, but it’s worth monitoring. Tesla's solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk's ventures.

Even Tesla's Solar Roof seems to get more love. If price is the thing you won't budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.

Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla's service is a bit of a gamble. All 50 states Solar panels from Tesla are likely to be the cheapest option where they are available.

You can save thousands of dollars, without sacrificing on quality of equipment or the warranties that protect it. What you might sacrifice is customer service. From delays to price changes, to slow responses, to system malfunctions, social media reports of negative experiences aren't hard to find, including some who regret their choice.

This is true of all solar companies, but the quantity of reports concerning Tesla is concerning. Momentum installs in 11 states without using subcontractors. While using in-house installers doesn't guarantee a better experience, it does suggest you're likely to get a more uniform experience from Momentum.

The fact that Momentum backs its installations with a 25-year workmanship warranty hints at a strong belief in its crews' ability. If Momentum is part of your search, consider the warranties against leaks that other companies offer. Momentum's is five years, which isn't the best.

Only solar panels: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania Also installs batteries: California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas Momentum Solar puts Qcells solar panels on roofs in 11 states, and installs Enphase batteries alongside them in five of those. Momentum is one of a few companies that will price match quotes from other companies. It also receives an A-plus from the Better Business Bureau.

The company also uses only in-house, Momentum-trained installation teams and backs that work up with a workmanship warranty that lasts 25 years, matching the longest warranty terms in the industry. Best local solar panel installers in Miami National solar companies aren't your only option. There are plenty of local solar installers in Miami that can get the job done too.

Gathering multiple quotes and comparing them between several installers can help you get the best price. Here are a couple of solid local solar companies in Miami. This South Florida solar firm offers a range of home energy services, from solar installation to home batteries and EV charging .

The company also does solar panel service and maintenance . Cutler Bay Solar has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and an average 4.5-star rating on Google.

In addition to solar installations, Florida Solar & Air also works on roofing, windows, doors and HVACs. The company installs panels from Jinko Solar and REC Group. It also offers financing options.

Florida Solar & Air has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating on Google. How to determine which solar company is best Essentially, finding the right solar installer comes down to talking to multiple companies and vetting each one carefully.

Ask how long they've been in business, which certifications they have ( which you can also check here ), and whether they do installation in-house or work with subcontractors. "It's just about asking questions," Daniel Massaad , CEO of Florida contractor Guardian Home, told CNET. Massaad has worked in the solar industry for close to a decade.

Referrals could point you in the direction of a reputable installer. If you've got neighbors who have solar (and in Miami, you likely do), ask them who their installer was and if they would recommend them. You can also check Yelp, Angie or Google reviews to find highly-rated installers near you .

If you want to vet an installer more extensively, check their Better Business Bureau rating. Solar is an extremely pricey investment, so don't be afraid to ask questions. If an installer can't answer any of your questions, that's a red flag .

It's also a good idea to get at least three quotes from different solar installers. The more installers you hear from, the more of an informed purchasing decision you'll be able to make. Comparing quotes could end up saving you thousands in the long run.

The costs of solar panel installation in Miami Solar costs are hard to get a solid grasp on. Because every home is different, every solar installation is going to be uniquely different. A good installer will help you size the system to your roof (and your electricity needs).

The larger the system, the more it will cost. If you add a home battery to your solar system, it will increase the price significantly. But it might be worth it in the long run.

Solar panels also vary in cost based on which installer you use. This is why it's important to get multiple quotes to make sure you're getting the best price. The one thing that can decrease the cost is taking advantage of solar incentives from federal and state governments , which can shave more than 30% off the sticker price.

Average cost of solar panels in Miami Solar panel incentives and rebates in Miami Miami residents have a lot of financial rebates at their fingertips. The federal solar tax credit is a strong, 30% rebate on the total cost of your solar panel system installation. The state of Florida offers some strong local incentives that make going solar a bit easier.

The state's net metering policy is incredibly favorable. Florida has state-governed retail rate net metering, which means you're getting credited at the full retail rate (the rate you pay for electricity) for any of the excess electricity you send to the grid. This can help cut down your solar payback period .

The state doesn't fully exempt solar panel systems from increasing your property taxes, but you can shave 80% off their value. You're also free from paying sales taxes on the solar panels. If you decide you can't finance a solar system, or you're a renter, local community solar programs might be a decent alternative for you to reap some of the benefits associated with switching to solar.

Residential solar incentives in Miami Solar installation factors to keep in mind Before you jump right into a solar installation, there are some factors you should consider to make sure you're making the right move for your home. Here are a few things to consider. How to pay for solar panels in Miami There are a lot of different ways to finance solar panels , depending on your situation and risk tolerance.

Here's a breakdown of your options. This is the simplest, most cost-effective way to pay for solar. Covering the entire cost upfront allows you to avoid paying interest.

It gives you a shorter payback period, but it does require you to have thousands of dollars on hand for your initial purchase. A solar loan from the installer (or from a bank) is a common financing option. This allows you to give a small down payment and spread out the rest of the cost over monthly installments, just like any other loan.

The downside is that you will be paying interest, and won't fully own the panels until the loan is paid off. Many solar installers will allow you to lease the solar panels from them, almost like renting a solar system. This often means you put little or no money down, but instead pay a monthly fee to lease the panels from the solar company.

You don't own the solar panel system — you're paying the solar company to use them. Keep in mind that this can get complicated if you decide to sell your home during the lease period. A personal loan from your bank can be used for just about anything, including solar systems.

It can be a quick, easy source of money, but the interest rates are often extremely high compared to other loan products. Florida residents can access two special loan programs designed for solar. The SELF program offers low interest rates and favorable terms to state residents, while the PACE program allows homeowners to pay back the solar loan through their property tax bills.

If you've got a lot of equity in your home, you could also tap into that to pay for your panels by taking out a home equity line of credit or home equity loan. This can be a bit risky, as you're using your home as collateral for the loan in the event you can't keep up with payments. This means you could lose your home.

Some home equity loans have adjustable interest rates, which can spike unexpectedly. How we found the best solar panel companies Our methodology The companies we listed above as "the best" are curated from CNET's best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer.

Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here . Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way.

We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state. Whether we've completed a full review on a company or not, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company. Frequently asked questions What are the advantages of solar panels? Solar panels help you generate your own electricity, which can reduce your monthly bills and even generate profit over a long period of time if you sell excess energy to the grid.

How long does it take to pay off solar panels? It depends on how much you pay for them and how you finance them. Here's a guide to calculating your solar payback period. Are solar panels worth it in Miami? They could be.

Miami has plenty of sunny days and peak sun hours to give you lots of solar energy, and solar costs in Florida are low enough to make the investment pay off. Does Miami offer a solar tax credit? The city doesn't have a specific solar tax credit, but Miami residents can take advantage of federal and state solar incentives..