Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clearwater, Florida. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local installer with a premier partnership with SunPower, manufacturer of the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market. They offer a full-service approach from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their strength lies in high-quality equipment and strong warranties.
A well-established, locally-owned company that has been serving the Tampa Bay area for over a decade. They are known for personalized customer service and expertise in navigating local incentives and financing options, including solar leases and PPAs.
A prominent regional installer with a strong focus on the Florida market. They offer robust system design for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions and partner with top-tier manufacturers like LG and Tesla. They are particularly noted for their battery backup installations.
** The home solar market in Clearwater, Florida, is **highly competitive and mature**, driven by the state's abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and frequent power reliability concerns due to storms. The average quality of providers is quite high, as the Florida solar contractor licensing requirements are rigorous. Competition is fierce among local and national companies, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and improved service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** For a standard 6 kW residential solar system in Clearwater (before the 30% federal tax credit), homeowners can expect a gross price in the range of **$18,000 to $28,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on the system's complexity, the quality of panels and inverters selected, and the specific roof type. The strong competition helps keep prices in check. Financing options are ubiquitous, with most reputable companies offering $0-down loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar more accessible than ever. The knowledge of local net metering policies and available incentives is a key differentiator for top-tier providers in this market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clearwater regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clearwater, Florida.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Clearwater, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Florida has no state sales tax on residential solar installations. Additionally, Clearwater residents benefit from net metering with Duke Energy, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent to the grid, significantly improving payback time.
Clearwater's abundant sunshine is ideal for solar production, but installations must be engineered for high-wind events. Reputable local installers will use systems rated for Florida's strict building codes, including wind loads up to 160 mph or more. Panels are highly impact-resistant, and proper mounting is critical. It's also wise to discuss your homeowner's insurance coverage with your provider to ensure your system is protected.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and signing, the installer handles permits from the City of Clearwater Development Services and interconnection approval from Duke Energy. Installation itself takes 1-3 days. The longest wait is often for the local building inspection and the utility to install the final net meter, which can take several weeks depending on scheduling backlogs.
Prioritize local, licensed Florida solar contractors with strong reputations and physical offices. Verify their license is active with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ask for multiple Clearwater-specific references and proof of workmanship warranties. Be wary of out-of-state or door-to-door vendors making unrealistic promises about savings or avoiding necessary permits.
Yes, they will generate power anytime there is daylight, though output is reduced under heavy cloud cover. Clearwater's rainy season (June-September) coincides with the longest days of the year, so your system will still produce significant energy. The high annual sunshine hours (over 240 days) ensure excellent yearly production, and your net metering agreement credits you for surplus power generated on sunny days to use at night or during storms.