Best Solar Panels for Homes in West Palm Beach, FL

How to choose solar energy companies in West Palm Beach

Between the blazing summer sun and the scorching price of electric bills during the hottest months, South Florida is a prime location for solar panel installation. It’s no surprise the Sunshine State ranks second in projected solar power capacity with almost 5.5 gigawatts of solar production expected to come online in the next five years.

Despite the potential of solar power and a 43 percent price drop in equipment price over the last five years, the Solar Energy Industries Association suggests Florida lags behind some of the biggest solar energy states because of a lack of incentives. Despite this, West Palm Beach homeowners can see a significant reduction in their utility bills by installing a solar energy system.

Florida adopted net metering in 2008, which allows owners of solar systems to sell excess produced power back to the power grid, providing a use for excess solar production and saving money on future bills.

Purchasing a solar power system in West Palm Beach

Homeowners have several options for financing a solar energy system:

• Lease: Some West Palm Beach companies lease solar energy systems. While the recurring costs prevent you from receiving the maximum possible savings, leasing can be a good way to get a solar energy system for little or no money down.
• Purchase upfront: Purchasing the solar power equipment upfront is the most expensive option initially, but it lets you enjoy the benefits of energy savings immediately with no ongoing costs for the system other than regular maintenance. Upfront purchasing may also save you money on your system in the long run.
• Financing: Many companies offer financing options to purchase solar energy systems. These plans reduce your upfront cost while also providing you with the higher savings that come from owning your system.

Installing and maintaining a solar power system in West Palm Beach

Solar panel arrays can be installed on your roof or the ground. If your roof is small, heavily slanted or has multiple protrusions, using a ground array is a better option. Your chosen solar energy system installer will schedule a visit to your home to see which system will be best for you.

Solar panels are typically very durable and should require minimal maintenance. Cleaning the panels every few months will keep them working at high efficiency. Most companies in West Palm Beach offer maintenance packages that include regular inspection and cleaning if you don’t want to maintain the arrays yourself.

Most solar energy equipment comes with a warranty of up to 25 years. Your system provider can tell you what parts are covered and how the system should be monitored to ensure it is performing as expected. Some companies guarantee a certain amount of energy production and will pay you for the difference if the system doesn’t meet expectations.