Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lakeshore, Florida. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the United States, Sunrun offers a comprehensive suite of services from consultation to installation and maintenance. They are a major player in the Florida market, known for their robust financing and leasing options, including their popular Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
A long-standing, locally owned and operated company with a stellar reputation in the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years. They are known for high-quality, custom installations and exceptional customer service. Their expertise covers both residential and commercial projects, with a strong focus on durable system design for Florida's climate.
A highly-rated local installer focused exclusively on solar energy systems. They pride themselves on transparency, education, and providing tailored solutions for grid-tied and off-grid systems, including extensive battery backup expertise. They are known for their hands-on consultation and detailed energy efficiency assessments.
** The home solar market in the Lakeshore/Tampa Bay area is **highly competitive and mature**. The quality of providers is generally high, driven by strong consumer demand due to Florida's abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and exposure to hurricane-related power outages. This competition benefits homeowners through competitive pricing and a wide range of service options. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners are served by a mix of national powerhouses (like Sunrun) and established, high-quality local installers (like Solar Source and Tampa Bay Solar). This provides a spectrum of choice from volume-based, finance-focused models to bespoke, craftsmanship-oriented services. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Florida ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For a typical 8kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 - $28,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage, which can add $10,000 to $20,000 or more to the total. The presence of strong local installers helps keep pricing competitive and prevents market monopolization. **Key Local Factors:** The expertise in **battery storage** is a significant differentiator in this market due to the frequent threat of hurricanes and power outages. Furthermore, reputable local installers have deep knowledge of navigating the interconnection process with Tampa Electric (TECO) and maximizing the value of net metering.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lakeshore regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lakeshore, Florida.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Lakeshore, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Florida homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, and there is no state sales tax on solar installations. While there is no local Lakeshore-specific rebate, you are exempt from Florida's property tax on the added home value from solar, and your system is exempt from state sales tax, providing significant long-term savings.
The abundant sunshine in Lakeshore is excellent for energy production, though extreme heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency in peak summer afternoons. For durability, it's critical to install panels rated for high wind speeds (often 160 mph or more) to withstand hurricanes and tropical storms. Reputable local installers will use robust mounting systems and understand local building codes for wind loads to ensure your system is built to last.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 months. After design and permitting—which must comply with Florida's statewide solar permitting standards and your local utility (likely Florida Power & Light)—installation itself takes just 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for the utility to approve interconnection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks depending on their current workload.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, proper Florida licensing (Electrical Contractor license), and a strong track record with Lakeshore's specific permitting and inspection process. They should be intimately familiar with FPL's interconnection requirements and offer robust warranties that cover both equipment and workmanship against Florida's harsh weather. Always check for verified local reviews and ask for references from nearby installations.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. Given Lakeshore's hurricane risk, many homeowners opt for a solar-plus-battery system to maintain critical power. For hurricane preparation, your installer should provide a protocol for system inspection post-storm. Panels are designed to withstand hail and high winds, but it's wise to have them professionally checked after any major weather event.