National Solar Panel Companies in Puerto Rico
Comb
Instantly calculate solar energy costs and savings. Then select your supplier.
Sunrun installs more solar panels than any other provider in the United States. The San Francisco-based company uses monocrystalline solar panels and installs batteries from Tesla, LG Chem and Lunar. Many Sunrun customers lease their equipment or enter into power purchase agreements, in which the company installs panels on your property and sells the power to you at below-market prices. You also have the option of purchasing a solar system.
Customers who purchase or lease Solar-owned solar panels can receive a battery pack and up to 25 years of comprehensive warranty, monitoring, maintenance and insurance.
If you purchase panels instead of renting them or taking out a PPA, you rely on manufacturer warranties, which can vary in length and coverage. Sunrun offers a 10-year weather warranty that protects your roof from leaks caused by the installation.
Read our Sunrun review.
Sunova
Instantly calculate solar energy costs and savings. Then select your supplier.
With more than 348,000 customers, Sunnova is one of the largest solar energy providers in the United States. Headquartered in Houston, the company serves distributors in all U.S. states and territories. It offers monocrystalline solar panels, SolarEdge and Enphase inverters, and Tesla, Enphase, Generac, SolarEdge and FranklinWh lithium-ion batteries. Customers receive a 25-year service warranty, meaning the company will repair and maintain their solar system.
Sunnova offers a variety of payment plans, including power purchase agreements and financing for purchasing, leasing or financing a solar system. The company is working with the U.S. Department of Energy to offer solar loans to people with low credit scores. Through Project Hestia, the federal government will guarantee up to 90% of Sunova's $3.3 billion loan. However, the company does not guarantee price matching.
Read our Sunnova review.
Local Solar Panel Companies in Puerto Rico
Windmar Solnechnaya
Instantly calculate solar energy costs and savings. Then select your supplier.
Founded in 2002, Windmar claims to be the largest renewable energy company in Puerto Rico. It also offers solar energy services throughout Florida. The company uses Tesla Powerwall batteries and has installed solar panels in more than 40,000 homes.
Purchasing options include leasing, financing and cash purchases, but Windmar does not offer power purchase agreements.
When you rent a Windmar solar system, your monthly payment covers insurance and maintenance for up to 25 years. Purchasing a system requires maintenance and upkeep on your part.
How do I know which solar company is best for me in Puerto Rico?
There are many solar energy companies in Puerto Rico, so finding the right one can be difficult. We've put together some tips on how to find the best company for your situation.
First, look for some companies that install solar panels in Puerto Rico. You can start getting recommendations from people on our list or people you know. Reading some online reviews from various third-party sources will help you better understand the reputation of the solar company. These companies should have at least a few dozen reviews with a relatively high customer satisfaction rating.
If you have a list of several reputable vendors, call at least three for quotes. Ask at least the following questions:
- Do you have any experience with the type of roof I have and the type of system I have installed?
- Are you certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals or NABCEP?
- Are you eligible to work in Puerto Rico?
- When is the right time to complete my project?
- What financing options do you offer?
When you talk to an agent or seller, they should explain the project clearly to you and answer any questions you may have. They should also be familiar with local permitting requirements, the process for contacting the local utility company, HOA regulations, tax credits and incentives.
How much do solar panels cost in Puerto Rico?
The cost of solar panels depends on the size of the solar panel system, where the panels are installed, the equipment used, and the cost of labor in your area.
There is no data available for all of Puerto Rico. According to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, the average cost per watt of a solar system in the United States and its territories will be $2.99 in 2022, with an average system cost of $23,920.
Incentives and discounts for solar panels in Puerto Rico
Residents of Puerto Rico who wish to install solar panels can take advantage of several incentive programs.
The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system from your federal income tax. This applies to solar systems purchased between 2022 and early 2032. However, very few Puerto Ricans are eligible for this tax exemption. “This benefit is a federal tax credit and most Puerto Ricans do not pay federal taxes,” Rosenblatt said.
But residents can benefit from net metering, which allows them to sell excess solar power back to the grid.
Additionally, solar equipment and installation costs are exempt from sales tax. And while solar panels can increase the value of your home and increase your property taxes, all qualifying equipment that uses renewable energy is exempt from property taxes in Puerto Rico.
How to Pay for Solar Panels in Puerto Rico
Purchasing and installing solar panels in Puerto Rico can cost $10,000 or more, but you should consider several payment options. Each payment method has its advantages and disadvantages.
While upfront costs can be high, “solar fuel is always free,” Rosenblatt said. This allows you to control energy consumption and costs.
Here are some payment options to cover your startup costs.
- Cash. You'll save on interest costs, but you'll have to pay the entire bill up front.
- Solar loans. A solar energy company may offer a type of financing through which you can purchase a solar system and make interest payments.
- Solar panel rental. You pay monthly to rent solar panels. But you may not be eligible for certain benefits. Since the federal tax credit goes to the system owner, you don't receive it.
- Energy purchase contract. The company installs panels on your property and sells you energy at a discounted price. There is little to no upfront cost for maintenance or service, but you may not be eligible for tax credits.
- Local financing. Some nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico are helping to make solar energy services more accessible to low- and moderate-income families. For example, Barrio Eléctrico installs solar devices in your home and charges you a discount for the solar energy you use.
Installation factors to consider
When considering installing a solar system to power your home, there are many things to consider. Consider the following factors:
Insurance: Once your solar panels are installed, you must notify your homeowners insurance agency and update your insurance policy. “This generally includes additional pay and a modest increase in annual bonus,” Rosenblatt said.
Homeowners Association. Check your HOA or other neighborhood association's rules regarding solar panels. “Some, but not all, states, local governments or homeowners associations have solar energy access laws that prohibit the installation of solar panels,” Rosenblatt said.
Maintenance . Solar panel maintenance is minimal, but still includes cleaning and inspecting the panels. You can do it yourself or outsource this task to a third party. Meanwhile, “inverters and battery backup systems typically have a service [and warranty] plan,” Rosenblatt said.
Replacement: Solar panels typically last more than 20 years, but inverters and batteries can be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Location : Solar panels are most efficient when exposed to direct sunlight. And the batteries work best indoors, like in a garage, in the extreme heat common in Puerto Rico.
Tenant or owner . Homeowners have no problem installing solar panels on their home. However, tenants may be prohibited from making changes to the property without the landlord's consent.
The condition of the roof . “The roof needs to be in good condition before installation,” Rosenblatt said. “It's not easy to dismantle a solar system to repair a roof in poor condition.” A solar panel installer will pre-inspect your roof and provide you with a report.
How do we find the best solar energy companies in Puerto Rico?
Frequently asked questions about solar energy in Puerto Rico
Solar energy is good for the environment.
