How to Vet Solar Companies in Florida: Complete Homeowner Checklist
Protect yourself from solar scams in Florida with this comprehensive vetting checklist. Verify licenses, check reviews, understand contracts, and avoid common traps.
How to Vet Solar Companies in Florida: Complete Homeowner Checklist
Florida is home to over 800 solar companies — a mix of established, reputable installers and predatory operators looking to capitalize on the Sunshine State's abundant solar potential. Separating legitimate companies from fraudulent ones requires a systematic approach to verification.
This guide provides a comprehensive, Florida-specific checklist for vetting solar companies before you sign any contract. Following these steps can save you tens of thousands of dollars and years of frustration.
The 10-Point Verification Checklist
Essential Checks Before Hiring Any Florida Solar Company
| # | Verification Step | How to Check | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FL contractor license | DBPR online lookup at myfloridalicense.com | No license, expired license, or wrong classification |
| 2 | Insurance coverage | Request certificate of insurance directly from insurer | No general liability or workers' comp coverage |
| 3 | Online reviews | Google, Yelp, SolarReviews, EnergySage | Pattern of complaints about sales tactics or poor work |
| 4 | BBB rating | Search bbb.org for the company name | Rating below B, unresolved complaints |
| 5 | Physical address | Verify on Google Maps, visit if possible | P.O. box only, no verifiable office |
| 6 | Years in business | Check Florida Division of Corporations (sunbiz.org) | Less than 2 years, frequent name changes |
| 7 | Equipment warranties | Review manufacturer warranties for panels, inverters, batteries | Vague warranty language, no manufacturer documentation |
| 8 | Customer references | Request 3-5 recent local references | Refusal to provide references, only sales testimonials |
| 9 | NABCEP certification | Search nabcep.org for certified installers | No certified professionals on staff |
| 10 | FSEC certification | Check Florida Solar Energy Center (fsec.ucf.edu) | Equipment not certified for Florida conditions |
Why Each Check Matters
Florida contractor license: Florida requires solar contractors to hold either a Certified Solar Contractor license (CV) or a registered solar contractor license through their local county. Additionally, an electrical contractor (EC) license may be required for the electrical work involved. Working with an unlicensed contractor exposes you to liability, voids insurance coverage, and may result in code violations.
FSEC certification: The Florida Solar Energy Center tests and certifies solar equipment for Florida's unique conditions — including hurricane resistance. Equipment that is not FSEC-certified may not withstand Florida's extreme weather.
Florida-Specific Red Flags
Watch for These Florida-Specific Scam Tactics
Florida's unique environment creates specific fraud opportunities that homeowners in other states rarely encounter. Be on high alert for these tactics:
Hurricane-Pressure Tactics
| Tactic | What the Salesperson Says | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Storm urgency | "After the next hurricane, power will be out for weeks — solar with battery backup is essential" | Fear-based selling; legitimate companies discuss preparedness without fearmongering |
| Storm damage combo | "We'll replace your damaged roof and add solar — insurance will cover it" | Roofing and solar contracts should be separate; verify insurance coverage independently |
| Generator comparison | "Solar costs less than a generator and lasts longer" | Comparison may be misleading; depends on system size and your actual needs |
"FEMA-Approved" Claims
Some companies falsely claim their systems are FEMA-approved or FEMA-certified. FEMA does not approve or certify solar panel systems for residential installation. If a company makes this claim, it is a significant red flag.
Senior-Targeting Tactics
Florida's large senior population is specifically targeted by fraudulent solar companies:
- "Government program" claims — False claims about Medicare or Social Security-related solar benefits
- "Free for seniors" — No solar system is truly free; someone is paying through financing
- High-pressure in-home presentations — Legitimate companies allow time for review; fraudulent ones demand immediate signing
- Complex financing documents — Buried in paperwork that is difficult for anyone to understand, let alone elderly homeowners
If you have elderly parents being targeted, read our guide on elderly door-to-door solar scams.
Guaranteed Savings Claims
| Claim | Why It's Suspicious |
|---|---|
| "Guaranteed 90% savings on your electric bill" | Savings depend on usage patterns, roof orientation, shading, and utility rates |
| "Your electric bill will be $0" | Net metering in Florida (FPL, Duke, TECO) rarely eliminates bills entirely |
| "Guaranteed production of X kWh" | Production varies by weather; legitimate companies provide ranges, not guarantees |
| "Investment-grade returns" | Solar is a home improvement, not a regulated investment |
Verifying Florida Licenses
How to Check a Florida Contractor License
Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains an online license lookup system.
Step-by-step verification:
- Go to myfloridalicense.com
- Click "Verify a License"
- Select "Contractor" from the profession dropdown
- Enter the license number or company name
- Verify the following:
| Field | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| License status | Active and current |
| License type | Certified Solar Contractor (CV), Electrical Contractor (EC), or Registered Solar Contractor |
| Qualifying agent | Name matches the person who will supervise your project |
| Insurance | Workers' compensation and general liability on file |
| Disciplinary history | Any past or pending actions |
| License expiration | Not expired or about to expire |
Solar Contractor License Types in Florida
| License Type | Code | Scope | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Solar Contractor | CV | Statewide; solar pool heating and photovoltaic systems | DBPR |
| Registered Solar Contractor | PV | County-specific; limited to registering county | DBPR + County |
| Electrical Contractor | EC | Statewide; includes solar electrical work | DBPR/ECLB |
| General Contractor | CG | May install solar as part of larger project | DBPR |
Important: Many solar installations in Florida require both a solar contractor license and an electrical contractor license or supervision. Verify that the company has appropriate credentials for the complete installation.
Understanding Florida Solar Contracts
What Must Be Included
Florida law requires specific elements in home solicitation sales contracts (Chapter 501.025, Florida Statutes):
| Required Element | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Clear identification | Full legal name and address of the seller |
| Total purchase price | All-in cost including equipment, installation, permitting, and financing |
| Description of goods/services | Specific equipment brands, models, and system size |
| Delivery/installation timeline | Specific dates or timeframes for completion |
| Three-day right to cancel | Prominently disclosed with cancellation instructions |
| Cancellation form | Detachable form provided with the contract |
| FDUPTA compliance | No deceptive or omitted material terms |
The 3-Day Right to Cancel
Under Florida's Home Solicitation Sales Act:
- You have 3 business days (excluding Sundays and legal holidays) to cancel any contract signed at your home
- The company must provide a written cancellation form with the contract
- Cancellation must be in writing — send by certified mail to prove timely delivery
- The company must refund any payments within 10 days of receiving cancellation
- The company must pick up any equipment within 20 days
Critical tip: If you feel pressured during a sales presentation, sign nothing. Tell the salesperson you need time to review. A legitimate company will respect your right to consider the offer. For more on protecting yourself, read our guide on the 10 questions to ask before signing a solar contract.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
10 Essential Questions for Florida Homeowners
Bring this list to every solar consultation and document the answers in writing:
"What is your Florida contractor license number, and can I verify it online?" — They should provide it immediately and encourage you to verify.
"How many systems have you installed in Florida, specifically in my county?" — Local experience matters for permitting, code compliance, and utility interconnection.
"What is the total cost including all fees, permits, and financing charges?" — Get a single all-in number. If they cannot provide one, walk away.
"What specific equipment are you installing, and is it FSEC-certified?" — FSEC certification ensures the equipment meets Florida's hurricane and performance standards.
"How does net metering work with my specific utility (FPL, Duke, TECO, JEA)?" — They should explain your utility's specific net metering policy accurately.
"What happens if the system produces less than you estimate?" — Legitimate companies offer written production guarantees with specific remedies.
"Who handles maintenance and warranty claims, and for how long?" — Get warranty terms in writing for both equipment and workmanship.
"What is your process for handling code violations or inspection failures?" — They should commit to fixing any issues at their expense.
"Can you explain the financing in simple terms, including the total cost over the loan life?" — If they cannot explain financing clearly, they may be hiding something.
"Can I have the contract to review for 48 hours before signing?" — Legitimate companies welcome review time. Pressure to sign immediately is a red flag.
Financing Red Flags
Watch for These Financing Traps
Florida homeowners are frequently caught in predatory financing arrangements. Here are the most common traps:
| Financing Trap | How It Works | The Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer fees above 25% | Hidden fee added to the loan amount, often $5,000-$15,000 on a $30,000 system | You finance the fee over 20-25 years, dramatically increasing total cost |
| Prepayment penalties | Fee charged if you pay off the loan early | Locks you into expensive financing even if you can refinance |
| UCC-1 filings | Lender files a lien on the solar system (or your home) as collateral | Can cloud title, complicate selling your home, or lead to foreclosure risk |
| PACE liens | Property Assessed Clean Energy liens attached to your property tax bill | Superior lien status — can foreclose before your mortgage; see our PACE foreclosure risk guide |
| Balloon payments | Low monthly payments with a large lump sum due later | Many homeowners cannot afford the balloon and face default |
| Interest rate surprises | Advertised rate requires perfect credit; actual rate much higher | Total cost far exceeds what was represented |
How to Compare Financing Fairly
When comparing financing offers, calculate the total cost of ownership — not just the monthly payment:
Total Cost = Monthly Payment × Number of Months + Down Payment + Dealer Fee + Any Balloon Payment
| Financing Type | Typical Dealer Fee | Interest Rate Range | Total Cost Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | None | N/A | 1.0x |
| Low-APR loan | 20-30% | 0.99-3.99% | 1.3-1.5x |
| Standard loan | 5-15% | 5.99-9.99% | 1.5-1.8x |
| Solar lease | Built-in | N/A | 1.8-2.5x |
| PPA | Built-in | N/A | 2.0-3.0x |
For a deeper dive into dealer fees, read our solar dealer fees explained guide.
After Installation
Post-Installation Inspection Checklist
Once your system is installed, verify the following before making your final payment:
| Item | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| System size | Installed capacity matches contract specifications (kW DC) |
| Equipment brands/models | Panels, inverter, and racking match contract specifications |
| Roof penetrations | All penetrations properly sealed, no visible leaks |
| Electrical work | Clean wiring, proper grounding, labeled disconnects |
| Building permit | Permit posted at the jobsite during installation |
| Inspection | Local building department inspection completed and approved |
| Interconnection | Utility application submitted and approved for net metering |
| Monitoring system | Production monitoring app or website activated and working |
| Warranty documents | All manufacturer and workmanship warranties provided in writing |
| As-built drawings | System diagram showing panel layout and electrical configuration |
| Operation manual | Instructions for system operation, monitoring, and maintenance |
| Utility net metering | Bi-directional meter installed by utility; net metering confirmed active |
Interconnection Verification
In Florida, your system must be interconnected with your utility before it can operate legally. This process can take 2-8 weeks after installation. During this time:
- Your system should be installed but not energized until the utility grants Permission to Operate (PTO)
- The utility will install a bi-directional meter
- You should receive written confirmation of net metering enrollment
- Your production monitoring should begin showing data
For more about protecting yourself from solar fraud, visit our Florida solar fraud guide and our general guide to avoiding solar scams.
FAQ
How do I check if a solar company is licensed in Florida?
Visit myfloridalicense.com, click "Verify a License," select "Contractor," and enter the company name or license number. Verify the license is active, the classification includes solar work (CV, EC), and there is no disciplinary history. You can also call the DBPR at (850) 487-1395.
What should I do if a solar company pressures me to sign immediately?
Do not sign. Florida law gives you a 3-day right to cancel home solicitation contracts, but the best protection is not signing under pressure. Tell the salesperson you need time to review the contract independently. A legitimate company will leave materials and follow up in a few days. If they refuse to leave or increase pressure, ask them to leave your property. Report aggressive tactics to the Florida Attorney General.
Are PACE loans safe for solar in Florida?
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loans carry significant risks in Florida. PACE liens are attached to your property tax bill and have super-priority lien status — meaning they are paid before even your mortgage in a foreclosure. PACE payments can be substantial and increase over time. Many Florida homeowners have reported being enrolled in PACE programs without fully understanding the terms. Before considering PACE financing, read our PACE foreclosure risk guide and consult with a financial advisor.
How can I tell if a solar company's savings estimates are realistic?
Compare the company's estimates against independent calculations. Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator (pvwatts.nrel.gov) to estimate your system's production based on your location, roof orientation, and tilt. Calculate your actual savings by multiplying estimated production by your utility's net metering rate. If the company's savings estimate is significantly higher (more than 20-30%) than your independent calculation, ask for a detailed explanation. For more tips, visit our guide on verifying solar savings promises.
Got blindsided by a solar deal that did not deliver?
You may have a claim — and the law may make the company that defrauded you pay your legal fees. Our 2-minute eligibility check screens for the consumer-protection statutes that apply to your situation (TILA § 130, the FTC Holder Rule, your state UDAP) and connects you with a consumer-protection attorney in our network if you qualify. Free review, no upfront cost, no obligation.