Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Shalimar, Florida. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, locally-owned and operated company with deep roots in the Florida Panhandle. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and consultation to installation and long-term maintenance. Their team is highly trained and they emphasize quality equipment and customer education.
As one of the nation's largest dedicated residential solar companies, Sunrun offers strong brand recognition and a variety of financing options, including popular solar lease and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) models. They often work with local partner installers to provide service in specific markets like the Emerald Coast.
A rapidly growing, locally-focused provider known for personalized service and expertise in the specific climate and roofing challenges of the Gulf Coast. They offer robust consultations and are well-versed in both grid-tied and backup power solutions for homeowners.
** The home solar market in Shalimar and the broader Emerald Coast is **moderately competitive and of high average quality**. The presence of military families from Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field creates a tech-savvy customer base interested in energy independence and resilience, especially given the region's susceptibility to hurricanes. This drives demand for battery storage solutions alongside standard grid-tied systems. **Competition Level:** Moderate. The market is not oversaturated like some major metro areas, but it is served by a mix of a few established local specialists (like Solar Source) and national providers (like Sunrun) working through local channels. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on service quality. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is in line with the Florida average. For a typical 6kW system before incentives, homeowners can expect a gross cost in the range of **$18,000 to $25,000**. The final net cost is significantly reduced by the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Florida's sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Financing options are widely available, making $0-down installations common. **Quality:** Reputable local installers are generally of high quality, with strong knowledge of local permitting, interconnection with Gulf Power (now part of Florida Power & Light), and the specific installation requirements for high-wind zones. Due diligence on licensing (verifying a Florida Certified Electrical Contractor's license) and insurance remains critical, as with any major home improvement project.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Shalimar regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Shalimar, Florida.
For a typical Shalimar home, a residential solar system currently averages between $20,000 to $30,000 before incentives, depending on system size and energy needs. Crucially, Florida homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), and Florida has no state income tax, so there is no state-level solar rebate. However, you retain a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar and a sales tax exemption on the equipment, providing significant savings. Local utility providers, like Gulf Power (now part of Florida Power & Light in some areas), may have specific interconnection policies but do not offer additional cash rebates.
Shalimar's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar production, but the coastal climate requires specific considerations. High-quality solar panels installed by a licensed local contractor will be rated to withstand Florida's hurricane-force winds (typically up to 160 mph) and are impact-resistant. A key local factor is ensuring your system includes rapid shutdown capabilities as per the Florida Building Code and that the mounting system is engineered for high wind loads. Regular post-storm inspections are also recommended to ensure no damage has occurred.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 months. After design and contract signing, the installer handles permitting with Okaloosa County and your local utility. This step can vary in length. Installation itself usually takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for the utility (like Gulf Power) to approve interconnection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. A reputable local installer will manage this timeline and keep you informed of each step.
Prioritize providers with a strong local presence and proven experience with Okaloosa County permits and utility requirements. Essential checks include verifying they are a licensed Florida electrical or solar contractor (check their license via the Florida DBPR), confirming they carry proper insurance, and reviewing local customer testimonials. Be wary of out-of-town companies making unrealistic promises. A trustworthy provider will offer a detailed site assessment, explain Shalimar-specific factors like roof integrity and shading from local trees, and provide a clear, detailed contract.
Yes, you will likely still receive a small bill for connection fees, but you can drastically reduce or even eliminate charges for energy consumption. Florida has a favorable net metering policy, which means your utility credits you for the excess solar energy your system sends back to the grid. In Shalimar's climate, with high summer production, you can build credits during sunny days to offset power used at night and during cloudier periods. Your system is designed to cover your annual usage, but monthly bills will vary with seasonal sunlight and your energy habits.