Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Saint Petersburg, Florida. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A long-standing, family-owned Florida leader in solar installation with a strong focus on quality, durability (especially for hurricane-prone areas), and comprehensive in-house services. They handle everything from initial design to maintenance and have deep expertise in local permitting and incentives.
A large, nationally-backed provider known for its strong customer service, robust financing options, and streamlined process. They offer a strong warranty and have significant resources for design, installation, and monitoring.
A highly-rated, customer-focused local installer known for personalized service and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. They excel in custom system design and have extensive experience with the full range of solar technologies, including off-grid capabilities.
** The home solar market in Saint Petersburg, Florida, is robust and highly competitive, driven by the state's abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and a population with growing environmental consciousness. The average quality of providers is high, given Florida's strict licensing requirements for solar contractors. Competition is fierce among both large national companies and established local specialists, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and improved service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in St. Petersburg ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home) and the inclusion of battery storage. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes, significantly reduces the net cost. Reputable installers in the area are well-versed in this incentive, as well as local net metering policies, which allow homeowners to receive credit for excess power sent back to the grid.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Saint Petersburg regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Saint Petersburg, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Florida also has a strong property tax exemption and sales tax exemption for solar equipment, ensuring your investment doesn't increase your property taxes and you pay no sales tax on the system.
Solar panels installed in Saint Petersburg must be permitted to meet strict Florida Building Code standards, which include withstanding winds up to 160 mph or more, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. Reputable local installers use engineered racking systems and proper sealing to meet these codes. While panels are extremely durable, it's essential to review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure your system is covered for storm-related damage.
As of 2024, Duke Energy Florida offers a net metering program for new solar customers. You earn a bill credit for excess energy your system sends to the grid, which is then applied to offset energy you draw from the grid at night. It's a 1:1 retail rate credit, meaning the credit value equals what you would pay Duke for that kWh. This policy makes sizing your system to match your annual usage highly beneficial.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and signing, the critical local steps include obtaining permits from the City of Saint Petersburg Development Services and scheduling inspections. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days, but the timeline is largely dependent on the permitting and utility (Duke Energy) interconnection approval schedules, which can vary.
Prioritize installers who are locally established, licensed (Florida Certified Solar Contractor #CVC56990), and intimately familiar with Saint Petersburg permitting and Duke Energy's requirements. Always check for strong warranties (25-year on panels, 10+ years on workmanship) and read local reviews. Be wary of out-of-state or door-to-door companies that may not understand our specific climate and regulatory challenges.