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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 The Villages. 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 The Villages, Florida, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the leading solar companies in The Villages to help you select the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in The Villages or pick a well-known national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables The Villages homeowners to save approximately $1,300 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Focus your search on The Villages solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Homeowners in The Villages are well-positioned for solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The top reasons to opt for solar include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your system size, shading, roof orientation, area, sunlight availability and labor costs. Opting for bonus features such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
According to statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average expense to install solar panels in The Villages is $12,628.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Homeowners in The Villages who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated 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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Several solar incentives are offered to The Villages homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Florida residents, though others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to Florida residents, as listed by DSIRE.
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 |
Loan Program Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $5,000 |
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all residences get similar amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Several solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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