How to choose a solar company in Florida

Florida licenses solar contractors to install solar energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and the equipment that goes with them. A solar contractor's license number begins with CVC, and an electrical contractor's with EC; either can install rooftop solar.

• A solar contractor can do roofing work only within 18 inches of each roof penetration or attachment, and must subcontract other trades.
• Wiring on the home side of the main service disconnect has to be done by a licensed electrical contractor.
• NABCEP certification is a voluntary national credential for solar professionals. It's a good sign, but it doesn't replace a state license.

1. 1

   Get the license number

   Ask for it in writing. It should also appear on the contract.

2. 2

   Look it up

   Search the number, the person's name or the business name on the Florida DBPR Verify a License tool at myfloridalicense.com.

3. 3

   Check the qualifier

   Look up the license holder who qualifies the business too, and confirm the license is current.

Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Florida, and a felony for repeat offenses or during a declared state of emergency, such as after a hurricane. A contract signed with an unlicensed contractor can't be enforced by that contractor.

• Panels: product warranties typically run 25 years, and performance warranties usually guarantee about 90% of output at 10 years and 80% at 25 years.
• Inverters: typically 10 to 25 years, depending on the type.
• Workmanship: set by the installer, and terms vary widely. Ask how long it lasts and whether it covers roof leaks at the attachments.

Batteries carry their own warranties; see the best home batteries for Florida.

For how panel brands compare on warranty length and heat, see the best solar panels for Florida.

Several large installers have failed in the last few years. SunPower and Lumio went bankrupt in 2024, Sunnova filed in 2025 and Freedom Forever filed in April 2026. In August 2026, Orlando's WKMG reported on Central Florida homeowners left without support after installer bankruptcies.

Manufacturer warranties on panels, inverters and batteries usually survive, but the installer's workmanship warranty is usually lost. Before you sign, ask who backs the workmanship warranty, make sure you'll have your own access to the monitoring app, and keep copies of your contract, permit and equipment serial numbers.

Florida's Attorney General advises getting several quotes. Ask each company to price a similar system so you can compare:

• Price per watt: the cash price divided by the system size in watts. Get the cash price in writing even if you plan to finance, because loan dealer fees can add 10% to 30%.
• Equipment: panel and inverter brands, models and warranties.
• Production estimate: expected yearly kWh, and how it was calculated.
• Warranties and service: workmanship term, roof penetration coverage and who handles repairs.

For what each line should say, see how to read a Florida solar quote. Paste a quote into the solar quote checker and compare it with what solar costs in Florida.

• Claims of "free solar" or a government program. The FTC says the federal government doesn't install solar systems in homes for free.
• Pressure to sign the same day, or a large upfront payment before work starts.
• No license number, or one that doesn't match the company name in the state lookup.
• A quote with no cash price, no equipment list or no production estimate.

Florida's Attorney General has sued several solar sellers, including MC Solar in 2023 after more than 400 complaints, and Vision Solar and SetUp My Solar the same year. See Florida solar scams for the full list of warning signs and how to cancel.

• Three days to cancel a contract signed at your home, under Florida's home solicitation sale law.
• A separate solar disclosure, signed on its own and in at least 12-point type, required for every solar sale or lease.
• The Construction Industry Recovery Fund, a last resort if a licensed contractor causes you a loss: up to $100,000 per claim for Division I contractors and $30,000 for Division II, for contracts signed from July 1, 2024. It doesn't cover unlicensed contractors.

See solar lease vs. buy in Florida if you're weighing a lease.