7 Common Mistakes When Going Solar in Florida

Solar is a good decision for most Florida homeowners — but how you go about it matters. These are the seven mistakes we see most often, and how to sidestep each one.

1. Signing under pressure

The most common mistake is letting a salesperson rush the decision. "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a real deadline. A solar agreement is a long-term commitment — you should never sign it the same day you first hear the pitch. A legitimate company is fine with you taking time.

2. Not asking about the escalator

On a lease, the escalator is the annual increase in your payment. Many homeowners focus only on the year-one number and never ask what they'll pay in year 10 or 20. Always get the full payment schedule in writing before signing.

3. Ignoring the production guarantee

A system should come with a written guarantee of how much it will produce, with compensation if it falls short. Skipping this check means you have no recourse if the system underperforms.

4. Not understanding what happens when you sell

People worry about this after signing instead of before. The answer should be clear up front: with a lease, you can transfer it to the buyer, buy out the system, or have it removed. Know your options before you commit, not after.

5. Comparing quotes that aren't comparable

One company quotes a purchase, another a lease payment, a third "savings." These aren't the same metric. Make sure every quote you compare is measured the same way — otherwise you're comparing nothing.

6. Overlooking the installer's credentials

Florida requires proper licensing for solar work. Some homeowners focus entirely on price and never verify that the installer is licensed and insured. Cheap work that fails code costs far more to fix later.

7. Waiting too long "to be sure"

This one is subtle. Florida's net metering credits are scheduled to drop in 2027, and customers who install earlier are typically grandfathered into better rates. Endless waiting has a real, measurable cost here — not because of sales pressure, but because of policy. Caution is good; indefinite delay is its own mistake.

How to avoid all seven

The common thread is simple: get clear, written information, take your time, and work with a transparent company. Start with an honest baseline — run a free estimate — and read our guides on comparing quotes and lease vs buying before you talk to anyone.