Recent news about the Florida residential solar market tells opposing stories. Some online stories share that 2024 has been a down year for new solar installations in Florida. Others notify us that Florida, in the first 3 Quarters of 2024, has installed a near record amount of solar and is 2nd only to Texas. Yet another headline tells us that based on the trend in the state, Florida will take over as the top ranked solar in 2028. So, which is it? Are there problems in the Florida residential solar market? Or is Florida going to lead the nation in solar installations very soon?
The truth is that Florida is one of the top states in the country for residential solar installations overall. 2024 has been a good year for the industry here as 30,000 Floridians did decide to go solar. However, there are issues that plague the industry and at times have caused homeowners to have a less than satisfactory experience.
Unstable & Unreliable Solar Companies
According to one online article, 2 separate solar companies were involved with installing solar on several homes. One of the companies, Solar Planet Solutions, got paid by the finance company. But didn’t pay their subcontractor, Big Orange Solar. As a result, Big Orange Solar has put liens on between 15 and 20 homes. However, if either Big Orange Solar (the company that didn’t get paid), or the homeowner had checked into Solar Planet Solutions, they would have discovered that this company had an F rating with the Better Business Bureau.
The Concern Over Homeowners Insurance
Florida homeowners who decide to install solar panels can face challenges regarding their homeowner’s insurance due to some companies not wanting to insure the solar panels. The media has made this a bigger issue than it is. A professional and stable solar installation company will provide options for the homeowner. There are riders available specifically for the solar system, or in some cases, there are companies available that will provide the homeowner with a lower premium to completely switch coverage.
Solar Installations in Florida have Declined in Q4
It is true that there have been less solar sales and installations in Q4 of 2024 than in Q3. The main reason is the same for most businesses in Florida, hurricanes. Helene and Milton damaged thousands of homes and in general, took homeowner’s focus away from items like solar. Also, many Floridians have decided to sell their home and move to a less vulnerable area of the country. As time passes Florida homeowners will realize that during a power outage, having solar can be a blessing. Not to mention the savings compared to an ever-increasing monthly electric payment to the utility company.
The Booming Florida Residential Solar Market
Currently Florida relies on natural gas for about 75% of its energy. This is larger than any other state. Fossil fuel prices continue to climb while the cost of solar has come down 43% in the last decade. Currently Florida gets 8% of its electricity from solar. That is expected to increase to 28% by 2032. And by 2028 Florida is expected to take over as the top residential solar state by 2028, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Electricity Rates Rising Again in 2025
According to the Tampa Free Press, The Florida Public Service Commission has already approved rate hikes for Florida Power and Light (FOL) and Tampa Electric (TECO). “These rate hikes are a slap in the face to customers who are already facing financial hardship,” said Brooke Ward of Food & Water Watch. “It’s unacceptable that utility companies are allowed to pass the costs of storm recovery onto consumers.”
REACH Solar – Your Reliable Solar Company
In 2022, REACH Solar Founders and Co-CEOs, KC Call and Mike Fedick looked at the landscape of the solar industry and began to focus on the business model of most solar installation companies. It was evident to them that the traditional business model in solar was creating issues for homeowners and the companies themselves. The level of customer service, communication with their dealers, and the method in which they paid their salespeople, were all causing issues for homeowners which led to bad experiences and horrible reviews and reputations.
Call and Fedick created a model that would change the industry starting with their own company, REACH Solar. They started with two thoughts in mind. The first is that they were out to revolutionize the solar industry in favor of the homeowner. And second, that they would do the right thing every time, even if it hurt.
Finding the Best Installers for Their Customers
One of the major changes they made was that instead of partnering with one or two major national companies that could not maintain a high standard of customer service in every location, they would do research and find the very best regional solar installation companies in the country. REACH Solar is now partnered with 20 of the top companies in the U.S. These are companies that have shown through their BBB rating and reviews, Google reviews, high quality equipment, attention to installation times, and overall high-quality customer service, that they deserve to receive the business that REACH can bring them.
Covering 46 States Including Florida
REACH Solar now helps homeowners in 46 states and Washington, DC. Meetings with homeowners are done remotely so there is no need for salespeople to go to the home. In Florida, REACH uses multiple installation companies that specialize in working with local utility companies and building departments. This decreases the wait time for permits and inspections providing for a quicker installation time for homeowners and lower costs.
To Learn More About Going Solar in Florida
The Florida residential solar market is booming, and we are here to help. To see how solar can benefit you here in Florida and to receive a free, no obligation quote contact Dale Guiducci, Book an Appointment or call/text 619-252-9670.
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