Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Palm Bay, Florida. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier local installer with an exclusive partnership with SunPower, a manufacturer of the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market. They offer comprehensive in-house services from design and financing to installation and maintenance, backed by strong warranties.
One of the largest residential solar installers in the nation with a strong local branch. Known for high-volume installation capabilities, competitive pricing, and robust financing options. They offer a strong warranty and work with multiple panel manufacturers.
A long-standing, locally-owned and operated company deeply embedded in the Brevard County community. They leverage decades of general roofing and electrical experience to provide integrated solar solutions, with a strong focus on durability against Florida's harsh weather.
** The home solar market in Palm Bay, Florida, is **highly competitive and mature**, driven by the state's abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and frequent severe weather prompting interest in battery backup. The average quality of providers is good to excellent, with a mix of national franchises and seasoned local contractors who understand the specific challenges of the Florida climate, including hurricane codes and salt air corrosion. **Competition is fierce**, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and more robust service offerings. A typical 6kW residential solar system in Palm Bay generally ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. Most companies are well-versed in local incentives, net metering policies with Florida Power & Light (FPL), and a wide array of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). A key differentiator among top-tier providers is the quality and length of their workmanship and product warranties.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Palm Bay regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Palm Bay, Florida.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Palm Bay, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, Florida has no state income tax, so there is no state-level tax credit, but you benefit from the state's property tax and sales tax exemptions for solar installations, protecting your home value and upfront cost.
Palm Bay's abundant sunshine is ideal for solar production, but installations must be engineered for high-wind events. Reputable local installers will ensure your system complies with the Florida Building Code, requiring panels to withstand winds up to 160 mph or more. Using hurricane-rated mounting systems and including a rapid shutdown function are standard, critical practices for both safety and durability during our storm season.
The entire process, from signing a contract to activation (Permission to Operate), typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Palm Bay, the installation itself, and the required inspections by the city and your utility provider (usually Florida Power & Light - FPL). The final step is FPL's approval to connect your system to the grid.
Prioritize local, licensed Florida solar contractors with strong reputations in Brevard County. Verify their license (#CVC56956 for electrical contracting) on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website. Ask for multiple local references, ensure they handle the entire permitting process with the City of Palm Bay, and carefully compare warranty terms (25-year is standard for panels) and service agreements.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during an outage, you must pair your panels with a solar battery backup system. For net metering, FPL's current program credits you for excess energy sent to the grid, which can offset your usage at night. It's a 1:1 retail credit, but it's important to note the credits are applied to your bill's energy charge, not the total bill which includes fixed fees.