Together the solar farms span over 400 acres of land, producing 62 MWac yearly, enough to power the entire airport with solar energy. The city also intends to convert light-duty vehicles, city offices, fixed-route buses like the StarMetro, and service facilities to renewable energy in the next decade.
Residential and SME commercial customers, on the other hand, are taking advantage of the ongoing Tallahassee Solar program. It allows all or a percentage of their monthly electric bill to reflect solar instead of fuel cost, allowing participants to pay a solar rate of 5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) up to 2037.
Even so, some property owners may desire to install solar panels in line with the city’s solar energy goals. If you’re one such homeowner, you could be looking for the best solar companies in Tallahassee (FL). We've prepared a list to help you make an informed decision.
What to Consider When Looking for a Solar Company in Tallahassee
One thing that comes to mind when planning to install a solar system is the cost. While Tallahassee residents are entitled to a Federal Investment Tax Credit of 30%, the installation cost may still need to be unattainable for many homeowners.
As such, you want to work with a provider who offers solar financing options like:
- Solar leases: Some providers offer solar leases or power purchase agreements which involve a third party. The third-party installs the solar system while you pay for energy every month
- Rent: You may use solar panels to harness traditional power sources at a low monthly rate. However, for this option, you forfeit tax advantages or rebates that apply to homeowners using solar energy
- Solar loans: With this financing option, you can have the panels installed and start using them with little or no down payment. You only need to make monthly payments (including interest) over a specific period
Other factors to consider are the company’s experience in solar installation, its location, the types of solar panels they use, and if they are licensed.
10 Best Solar Companies in Tallahassee Florida (FL)
This list of 10 best solar companies in Tallahassee may jumpstart your journey finding a reliable provider for solar installation.
Blue Raven: Best Overall
Blue Raven is a fairly new entrant in the solar industry, but it has done relatively well compared to its competitors. It has a qualified in-house team that handles the entire process, from the design to the final inspection. You only deal with third-party contractors if some stages require certain customizations.
Suppose you’re wondering about the type of solar panels the company uses. You’ll be pleased to know that Blue Raven specializes in black-on-black monocrystalline solar panels from brands like Trina, SunPower, and Canadian Solar. They have a high efficiency rating hence likely to last pretty long.
And if you need to monitor the system after installation, you can use the Enphase Enlighten app. With the app, you can keep track of the amount of energy produced and the usage.
Contact: 385-220-2516
Independent Green Technologies: Best for Expedited Permit Process
The permitting process for solar systems can be grueling for any homeowner installing them for the first time. Finding a provider who guides you through the process can hasten the process. Independent Green Technologies is one such provider, as its professionals handle all the city and state permitting requirements on your behalf.
The company installs high-quality solar panels capable of withstanding hurricanes and storms. Moreover, the professionals involve you in each stage of the process, from the design, permitting process, installation, and final inspection, communicating their timelines.
Contact: 850-576-7657
Georgia Solar Pros: Best for Customized Solar Installation
Sometimes a rooftop doesn’t have adequate space for solar panel installation. This doesn’t mean you can’t install the system; the provider can customize one based on your needs.
Georgia Solar Pros specializes in installing and customizing regular solar panels for your space and building a custom-framed solar patio as well as ground-mount solar panels.
The latter is an excellent option for homeowners with lots of space on the ground receiving sunshine. The company also offers a 25-year workmanship warranty covering roof leaks and workmanship and a five-year service warranty.
Contact: 229-463-3137
AND Services: Best for Solar Installation on Tile Roofs
While tile roofs enhance a home’s appearance and hold up well against harmful elements, they pose challenges when installing solar panels. They’re pretty delicate, so solar installers must be extra cautious when installing solar panels. Stepping carelessly on a roof tile can break it.
Homeowners with roof tiles want to work with installers experienced in working on such roofs. AND Services is one such company. Its technicians are well-versed in the area, so you can rest easy knowing they can install the panels without damaging your roof. Moreover, they offer affordable rates without compromising on quality.
Contact: (888) 990-2079
ADT Solar: Best for Extended Warranty
If you’re looking for a solar installer with vast experience and extended warranty periods, you can never go wrong with ADT Solar. Initially known as SunPro Solar, the company has 150 years of experience in solar panel installation, microinverters, and battery backups.
The company uses monocrystalline solar panels with an efficiency rating of 22.3% and a 25-40 years useful life, allowing you to save on energy bills for many years. Even so, the company offers a 25-year warranty for the performance of the solar panels and manufacturer defects and another 25-year warranty for power production.
The latter guarantees that the solar panels won’t lose the indicated efficiency before 25 years. As such, you are confident that the solar panel system will remain functional longer than the usual 20 years.
Contact: (800) 653-5416
SunPower: Best for High-efficiency Solar Panels
Besides being the largest solar installation company nationwide, SunPower is known for using the most efficient solar panels. It uses monocrystalline solar panels, which have a 23% efficiency rating, the highest in the market.
The company has operated for 40 years, providing a one-stop shop for all your solar needs. SunPower offers a flawless installation process thanks to its vast network of certified solar installation contractors. They tailor the solar systems to your region, city codes, and local weather conditions.
Once you send a quote, the company estimates the installation cost and the 25-year savings forecast you enjoy. Then you can set up a virtual consultation with the company’s representative.
Sunpower will obtain the required building approvals and permits and send a certified partner to install the system. After installation, Sunpower liaises with Tallahassee’s utility company and city government for inspection, and if approved, it’s ready for use.
Contact: (800) 786 7693
Castor Solar: Best for Fast Installation Process
Solar installation is a lengthy process taking 2-6 months. This is mainly due to the permit process, which can take up to two months to complete. And even after the system is installed, you must wait 1-6 weeks for the city council and utility company to approve the installation.
Castor Solar saves you from long wait times, shortening the installation time to 30-60 days. The owner has eight years of experience in the solar industry and helps expedite the process by leveraging his network.
Contact: (800) 684-4361
ESD Solar: Best for Energy Audit
Energy audits go a long way in helping a solar installation company determine the type and size of the solar system for your home. The audits also help one identify any electrical problems a home may have.
ESD Solar technicians begin by conducting an energy audit on your home before examining the roof for solar installation. The technicians may suggest making energy-saving upgrades like adding insulation or upgrading windows.
Contact: 800 425 1175
Ready Nation Contractors, Inc: Best for Roof Penetration Warranty
The roof might be damaged during solar roof installation, leaving it prone to leaks. As such, you want to work with a provider who guarantees roof damage repair. While a workmanship warranty caters to such costs, finding a company that offers a roof penetration warranty is a
bonus.
Ready Nation Contractors, Inc offers this warranty to cover the costs incurred repairing a roof due to leaks or other damage after solar panel installation.
Contact: (813) 668-0581
Evolve Solar: Best for Solar Financing
It’s important to work with a provider offering a range of financing options, especially if you can’t raise the upfront cost. Evolve Solar offers financing alternatives, like leases, PPAs, and purchases, helping you save up to 125%. These are huge savings in the long run.
Why You Need BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup to Store Solar Energy
Storage of surplus energy is necessary when using solar energy. The surplus energy comes in handy during power outages while balancing out electric loads, especially during peak periods. Energy consumption is at its peak at night when solar panels can’t produce solar energy. With a home battery backup like BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup, you’re confident the lights stay up when the sun goes down. The battery is powerful enough to keep all home appliances operational for many hours.
