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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Lakeside. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Lakeside, Florida, you'll need a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the leading solar companies in Lakeside to help you find the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in Lakeside or opt for an established national brand.
While solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Lakeside homeowners to save $1,200 on average each year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Look for Lakeside solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Lakeside, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to switch to solar include these:
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Lakeside typically costs $12,787.
Installing solar panels calls for sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
In Lakeside, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
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Lakeside homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all Florida residents, whereas others vary based on city, utility company and municipality.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to Florida residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption | All |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property | Residential: 100% of the added value Non-Residential: 80% of the added value |
PACE Financing Florida PACE programs | Determined locally |
Rebate Program JEA - Solar Incentive Program | $400 |
Loan Program Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $5,000 |
Rebate Program Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Ceiling Insulation: $0.11 per square foot Spray Foam Insulation: $0.28 per square foot Window Film: $0.44 per square foot Solar Shade Screen: $0.44 per square foot Solar Water Heating: $0.01 per BTU Heat Pump Water Heater: $175 Heat Recovery Unit: $200 HVAC: $250 |
Loan Program Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Conservation Loans | $7,500 |
Loan Program Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Solar Thermal Loans | $7,500 |
Rebate Program Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Solar Water Heater Rebate Program | $0.01 per BTU output |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Consider the following before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain levels and harsh weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These elements affect cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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