Choosing the right solar contractor in Florida is crucial for a successful and long-lasting solar energy system. With numerous companies emerging in the market, it’s essential to distinguish experienced professionals from less reliable options. This guide provides key steps to ensure you select a qualified and trustworthy solar contractor in the Sunshine State.
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✅ Step 1: Verify State Licensing
Solar contractors in Florida must hold a Certified Solar Contractor (CVC) license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This certification ensures that the contractor has met the state’s standards for solar installations, including passing rigorous exams and maintaining proper insurance coverage.
You can verify a contractor’s license through the DBPR’s official portal:
At Florida Power Services, our license number is CVC56731. This license is proudly active and in good standing since 2007.
🔍 Step 2: Look for NABCEP Certification
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers the most respected certification in the solar industry. A NABCEP-certified contractor has demonstrated advanced knowledge and commitment to best practices in solar energy systems.
While not all solar contractors in Florida possess this certification, those who do often stand out for their expertise and professionalism.
🕵️ Step 3: Research the Company on Sunbiz.org
Florida’s Division of Corporations provides public records on businesses operating in the state.
- Confirm the company’s founding date
- Check if the business is active
- Identify the owners or operators
- Detect any recent name changes, which could be a red flag
Florida Power Services has been operating under the same name since its inception in 2007, maintaining a consistent and trustworthy presence in the solar industry.
👤 Step 4: Understand Who You’re Hiring
Some “solar companies” in Florida function primarily as sales groups or lead generators, outsourcing the actual installation to third parties. This can lead to confusion and lack of accountability.
Ask the following questions:
- Am I dealing directly with the license holder?
- Do you use your own installation crews?
- Who is responsible for pulling permits and handling inspections?
At Florida Power Services, we manage every aspect of your solar project in-house, ensuring quality and accountability from start to finish.
📊 Step 5: Evaluate Online Reviews Carefully
Online reviews can provide valuable insights into a company’s performance. Look for detailed reviews from homeowners that discuss their experiences. Be cautious of companies with an unusually high number of reviews in a short period, as this could indicate manipulation.
Consistency in positive feedback over time is a good indicator of a company’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
⚠️ Step 6: Don’t Base Your Decision Solely on Price
While cost is an important factor, the cheapest option may not always be the best. Lower bids can sometimes mean:
- Use of subpar materials
- Rushed or inexperienced installation crews
- Non-compliance with permitting and code requirements
Investing in quality workmanship and materials ensures the longevity and efficiency of your solar system.
⏳ Step 7: Consider the Company’s Experience
Experience is vital in the solar industry. Inquire about:
- The number of solar installations completed in Florida
- Availability of local references
- The company’s history in the solar sector
Our owner Joe Forest has been in the solar business since 2002 and founded Florida Power Services in 2007, completing thousands of successful installations across the state.
🏡 Step 8: Ask About Their Warranties and Service Plans
A reliable solar contractor in Florida should back up their workmanship and equipment with clear, long-term warranties. Solar is a decades-long investment, and your coverage should reflect that.
When comparing providers, ask:
- What warranties come with the solar panels, inverters, and installation?
- Do you offer a service plan or ongoing maintenance package?
- What happens if something goes wrong in five, 10, or 15 years?
Florida Power Services offers robust product warranties and workmanship guarantees, so you can rest easy knowing your system is protected for the long haul.
🌦 Step 9: Evaluate Weather-Specific Experience
Florida’s unique climate, sunny, yes, but also humid, storm-prone, and hurricane-vulnerable, demands local expertise. A true solar contractor in Florida understands how to build systems that withstand strong winds, salty air, and seasonal storms.
That means:
- Engineering roof mounts that meet Florida’s strict hurricane codes
- Using corrosion-resistant materials to combat salt and moisture
- Planning around shade from palm trees or building orientations common in the region
Out-of-state companies often underestimate the Sunshine State’s weather realities. That’s why working with a locally owned solar contractor in Florida is so important. We’ve seen it all.
🧠 Step 10: Consider Their Education and Transparency
Solar is a technical topic, but a good contractor can explain it in a way that’s clear, helpful, and pressure-free.
The best solar companies take the time to:
- Explain how net metering works in Florida
- Walk you through your expected ROI
- Answer questions about financing options, tax credits, and utility programs
- Show you how your new system will affect your electric bill and lifestyle
We believe the right solar contractor in Florida should be a guide, not a salesperson. At Florida Power Services, education comes first. There’s no pressure, just facts.
🗺 Local Spotlight: Serving Communities Across Florida
Our team has installed solar systems in communities across the state, from Tampa and Clearwater to Orlando, Miami, and beyond. Each city has unique permitting processes, utility companies, and HOA rules. An experienced solar contractor in Florida will know how to navigate those efficiently.
For example:
- In Tampa, working with TECO requires specific net metering applications.
- In Miami-Dade County, contractors must follow enhanced wind uplift standards.
- In Orlando, Duke Energy incentives may apply to qualified homeowners.
Our familiarity with local laws, utilities, and jurisdictions ensures a smoother experience from design to activation.
🔗 Helpful Resources
Here are a few tools and links we recommend every homeowner in Florida review before going solar:
- Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC): A state-supported research institute providing consumer education
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE): A resource outlining federal and state incentives for solar energy
- Sunshine State solar incentives guide (Energy.gov): High-authority breakdown of national solar trends
📝 Final Checklist: Before You Sign
Before signing any contract with a solar contractor in Florida, make sure you’ve:
✔ Verified licensing on myfloridalicense.com
✔ Reviewed their Sunbiz profile for transparency
✔ Checked their NABCEP certification
✔ Spoken directly with the company (not a broker or middleman)
✔ Read Google reviews carefully for long-term customer satisfaction
✔ Compared equipment and warranty details
✔ Asked about their experience with your local permitting office or utility
✔ Confirmed no subcontractors will be involved in your installation
✔ Received a clear, itemized quote without high-pressure sales tactics
🎯 Choose a Solar Contractor in Florida You Can Trust
Choosing the right solar company in Florida can mean the difference between a frustrating experience and a future powered by clean, reliable energy. From licensing and reviews to weather-resistant engineering and long-term service, the details matter.
At Florida Power Services, we’re here to make your transition to solar seamless. We’ve been helping Florida homeowners reduce energy bills and gain energy independence since 2007, one expertly installed solar panel at a time.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you go solar with confidence.
📞 Call or text the Florida Power Services office nearest you (Tampa, Largo, or Bradenton)
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