Residential
Commercial
Residential
Commercial
Locations
residential solar installation by PPM Solar in North Central Florida

PPM Solar is the top solar energy installer in Gainesville

Save on your energy bills or eliminate them completely with PPM Solar, the top GRU solar installer in Gainesville.
Estimate savings

Why more homeowners choose PPM to install their solar panels

Established in 2009, PPM Solar has become the beacon of solar installations in Gainesville, Florida. PPM Solar offers solar photovoltaic and energy storage solutions for various applications and serves residential, commercial, government, industrial, academic, and utility clients. PPM has served over 1000 residential and commercial clients. Locally, our client list includes the City of Gainesville, University of Florida, UF Shands, and San Falasco Tech City (SFTC), to name a few.

PPM was recognized three times as the world’s fastest-growing UF alumni-led business. At PPM Solar, we understand the value of collective effort and are proud of our team. This team has created an impact right here at home that cannot go unnoticed, resulting in multiple local awards, including the nomination for the Business of the Year by the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
residential solar system in Gainesville with PPM yard sign

Verifiable and Trustworthy

arrow left
arrow right
120 reviews on Google
120 reviews on Google
Ranked as the top installer in Gainesville on Google. All our reviews come from real, satisfied customers and truly reflect our service and commitment to the local community!
Accredited A+ Better Business Bureau
Accredited A+ Better Business Bureau
PPM Solar maintains the highest possible BBB rating with an A+ rating and zero unresolved complaints. We do the best for our customers!
Top 100 Solar Contractors in North America
Top 100 Solar Contractors in North America
PPM Solar has been a part of Solar Reviews since 2009. We are proud to take this honored place among the Top 100 installers!
Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office
Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office
PPM Solar is certified as a Small Business Enterprise under Section 22, Alachua County Ordinance, from June 16, 2020, to the present.
Gator 100
Gator 100
PPM Solar has been recognized twice as a Gator 100 Company and received its highest ranking in 2018 as 4th out of 100!
Solar Power World's 2021 Top Contractors List
Solar Power World’s 2021 Top Contractors List
Congratulations to the entire crew of PPM Solar for making the 2022 Top Solar Contractor’s list by Solar Power World!

3 simple steps to installation

Step icon
1. Free consultation
Our consultant will provide you a proposal within 1 day, without having to come out to your house. You will receive a detailed quote that outlines your existing energy costs and provides a flexible solar solution that can be easily financed if needed.
Step icon
2. Installation
Our highly-trained crew performs your solar installation, typically within one or two days. We make it an easy and friendly process for the homeowner.
Step icon
3. A lifetime of savings
Once installed, your solar investment begins to work immediately and is designed and installed with utmost care. We build solar to operate with minimal maintenance for decades by using the best industry practices. Every system comes with free online monitoring access for life.

2023 – a year of solar in Gainesville!

With the highest-ever federal solar tax credit now extended, most circuits in Gainesville still having the full net metering program offered by GRU, and the cost of solar installation at an all-time low, there’s no better time than now to switch to solar energy in Gainesville.

Gainesville has a significant history with solar energy, rooted deeply in the community. Notably, in 2011, a feed-in tariff policy led to an explosion of solar installations, earning Gainesville the highest solar per capita rate in the United States, surpassing California. Today, Gainesville and Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) territory is one of the remaining places in the state where homeowners and businesses can benefit from Solar Net Metering, allowing for more attractive returns on their solar investment.

Gainesville also commands an excellent solar resource, providing for 4 average daily peak hours of sun per day, making it one of the best places in the country to go solar.

column-image

Testimonials tell the story

Brent Clarke
Brent Clarke
2023-06-30
This is a story of service after the sale. I realized one of our panels had gone offline. I called and left a voicemail (and email) after normal working hours. By 9:30 am the next morning, I received a call letting me know a work order was opened. By 1:00 pm that afternoon, technicians had arrived; and by 1:30 pm, that panel was back online after repair under warranty. About 18 hours from discovery to repair. Very satisfied. Thank you.
Rick Mont
Rick Mont
2023-06-29
Power Production installed my solar panels back in 2014. Dealing with the installation crew was an elite experience. I felt confident on choosing this company and now after 3 years and two hurricanes I am relieved I choose d them. The 8.25 kw system I have has earned me a credit with clay electric and the utility company ends up sending me a check every December. Edit This is just a continuation of my review. I figured I should include the after install customer service since that is equally important on a large investment. I developed a leak both inside of my master bedroom and on a fascia thats above my sunroom. I called PPM and builder since it was a new construction to inspect the leak. Leak turned out to be from screws holding down the panels. Kelley from PPM came and inspected the roof and then came and sealed the roof. Now just waiting on them scheduling a roofer to come repair the damage from the leak. So far I see commitment from this company to their customers as well. Update: PPM took responsibility and repaired the roof. Outstanding customer service
Matthew Franklin
Matthew Franklin
2023-06-26
Sales will overestimate solar production without taking proper variables into account. The panels are under warranty, but the power the system generates is not. They say the system will generate more than what it actually will and they are under no obligation to meet or exceed that goal with installation. Our system works but only generates 83% of what was advertised. Representative was unhelpful. Stated that the reason we weren't producing enough energy was because the sales guy did not take "shading" into account. We removed most of the "shading" after the proposal hoping for even better output, but we still produced much less than what was originally proposed. Response: The conversation about tree trimming was only that I planned on removing trees in MY yard that posed a danger as they had fallen on my roof in years prior. I was under the impression that removing them would also boost my production beyond the initial proposal. The PPM team recommended that I ask my neighbors to trim their trees which I said I would not do.
Chris Podlesnik
Chris Podlesnik
2023-05-08
Local to Gainesville, communicative, very responsive in addressing concerns. They take customer satisfaction very seriously. I don't regret going with PPM at all.
Susan Jenkins
Susan Jenkins
2023-04-27
Great company to work with, from initial planning through construction. Very responsive to our questions. Quick to send technicians out when needed.
Monty Harris
Monty Harris
2023-04-20
I recommend PPM Solar to any individual that is looking to have a solar system installed.
Marc Johnston
Marc Johnston
2023-04-18
PPM solar is the best. Thomas spent many hours on the phone to help me determine if solar works for me and made sure the numbers that I came up with were correct. Even when he knew the numbers didn't work for us because we use JEA electric ... he still worked with me. Unbelievable. That is professionalism at its best.
Guilian Xu
Guilian Xu
2023-04-12
From my initial contact to completion, the process was smooth and enjoyable. Thomas displayed both friendliness and professionalism, providing just the right amount of information tailored to my existing knowledge of solar power and financing options. In contrast to five other companies I considered, Thomas never employed hard sales tactics. He collaborated seamlessly with my roofing company, Worthmann, to ensure that my roof met the requirements for installing 28 solar panels. Throughout the design and installation process, PPM kept me well-informed. The crew demonstrated professionalism, friendliness, efficiency, and responsibility. After 20 days of operation, the system has been producing 150-200% of the power I require. I anticipate that it will prove to be the perfect solution once summer arrives and my old AC starts running. I was also able to keep my tree, which another company insisted on removing (my solar panels still have around 70% sun exposure). Overall, my experience with this small local company has been excellent. I am grateful for the outstanding work done by Thomas, Rachel, Alex, David, Angel, Cameron, Dylan, and one or two other young men whose names I didn't catch.
John Lehmann
John Lehmann
2023-04-10
Everything is working well. Installer listened to owner's extra requirements and complied to my satisfaction. I'm happy.
Chase Porter
Chase Porter
2023-04-05

Go solar today. Contact us to get a free estimate!

bg

Which brands are most optimal for Gainesville solar installations?

Solar is not a one-size-fits-all solution. PPM Solar has placed the unique requirements of each client above allegiances to a specific manufacturer. This client-focused methodology not only results in more cost-effective solutions but also guarantees a perfect fit for every specific need.

In Gainesville, considerations often include mitigating partial shading, accommodating multiple roof surfaces, and at times, requiring highly efficient solar modules to maximize capacity on the most suitable roofs.

PPM’s team has been trained and certified with a range of industry-leading companies, such as Tesla, SMA, Enphase, Tigo, and Fronius for inverters and storage; REC Solar, VSUN, QCell, LG, and Canadian Solar for modules; and Snap-n-Rack, Ironridge, Aerocompact, and Nuance for mounting structures. This comprehensive expertise allows PPM Solar to deliver the most value to every client.
Tesla powerwall installation in Gainesville by PPM Solar
1 - Why Go Solar_ The Benefits of Installing a Residential Solar System in Tampa 2 - Why Go Solar_ The Benefits of Installing a Residential Solar System in Tampa

Which solar financing options are available for Gainesville homeowners?

Sales and Finance process has been somewhat problematic in the solar industry. Predatory sales organizations, the practice of redlining, overpriced financing, telemarketing, and doorknocking, unfortunately, have become very common. Transparency is in our DNA. We offer fair and transparent pricing from a unified pricelist that we adjust from time to time to ensure that we remain competitive while assuring business continuity and growth.

At PPM Solar, our cash price is our financed price. There are no hidden fees or interest buydown payments baked into the cost of the project. Every client gets the same price based on their site conditions. We will only quote what’s needed and never upsell. We have in-house solar sales consultants that have worked here for many years.

Furthermore, we have been vetted and built relationships with banks and credit unions that share this philosophy and deliver fairly priced financing products to our clients. We believe that solar should not be an additional expense and that the solar energy financing payments should be low and competitive with the existing utility bill.

Additionally, a 30% Federal Tax Credit is available for those who qualify and can further accelerate the ROI while lowering the initial solar panel cost.

3 - Why Go Solar_ The Benefits of Installing a Residential Solar System in Tampa

How does solar energy serve Gainesville homeowners?

Solar energy is hard at work for every solar homeowner in Gainesville every day as soon as the sun comes up (and even at night with energy storage). Solar energy is transformative in many ways and moves individuals, families, or businesses to become a part of the solution by reducing pollution and making a better choice for the planet.

column-image

Explore our residential solar installation gallery in Gainesville

project
25.8 kW System, 2021
saves ~$650 a month
project
10 kW System, 2010
saves ~$250 a month
project
8.8 kW System, 2023
saves ~$170 a month
project
19.2 kW system, 2022
saves ~$480 a month
project
11.7 kW System, 2022
saves ~$292 a month
project
11.7 kW System, 2021
saves ~$292 a month

Find out what you can save with solar in Gainesville

You may have seen PPM Solar installations and trucks around town and in your neighborhood, showcasing the growing momentum of solar energy in Gainesville. Join the excitement of going solar, and making a positive change – today!
Estimate savings

Questions our customers ask us – answered!

You will put holes in my roof when installing solar panels. Will my roof leak?

We have performed over 50,000 roof penetrations over 15+ years and had less than 20 roof leak service calls that we immediately addressed. Those roof leaks after installing solar panels have resulted from earlier generations of roof penetration hardware and methodology that have since become more robust, resulting in an even lesser chance of ever having a roof leak event. Remember that you’re covered with our ten years workmanship warranty.

How does Net Metering work, and can I sell power back to my utility?

Net Metering availability and terms vary by utility. Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU’s) all offer net metering in the state of Florida. They include Duke Energy, FPL, TECO, and FPUC. Additionally several municipal utilities offer net metering process, but the terms may vary. PPM Solar operates a comprehensive rate schedule analysis tool that will take all of those variables into account and present an accurate solar offset rate schedule and the resulting payback calculation.

Yes, you can sell your power back to the utility, but not beyond what you would typically use on an annual basis. In other words, the solar system size is typically limited to match the consumption profile. However, excess energy generated on a daily and monthly basis is either purchased at the point of production or credited forward, and that is what the terms of the interconnection agreement will dictate. This makes solar system right-sizing that much more important because you cannot monetize excess energy at full rate, as you will not have the option to sell excess energy that you don’t use on an annual basis.

Can I use my solar panels when the grid is down?

Whether or not you can use your solar panels when the grid is down depends on whether your solar installation has batteries. If your solar panels are connected to a battery storage system, you can still access the electricity generated by your panels even when the grid is down. This is because the batteries store excess energy produced by the panels, allowing you to utilize it during power outages. However, suppose your solar panels are not connected to a battery storage system. In that case, you will not be able to use them when the grid is down since the electricity generated by the panels is directly fed into the grid and can cause damage or injury during repair by the utility company. The system will automatically turn off and come back on with the gird, no action is required bby the homeowner.

There are newer technologies that allow EV’s to be used for home backup, but very few are commercially avaialble at this time. Additionally, Enphase Sunlight system does allow the solar panels to be used without batteries, but there are nuances to every situaiton, please contact us for full information.

How long does it take for a solar system to pay for itself?

Financed: The payback may be immediate if the solar payment is approximately matching the utility bill, a so-called “Bill-Swapout.” In this case, the solar finance payment will remain the same, and the utility rates keep going up and up, resulting in ever-increasing monthly savings for the life of the solar system. It is not possible to estimate a payback on a cash-flow-positive asset, as technically, there was never an initial investment.

Cash Purchase: In the event that a 30% solar tax credit can be monetized, the net initial investment is 70% of the cost. The remaining amount is typically paid for within 6-9 years in a residential application and 2-5 years in a commercial one. It is important to recognize utility inflation as an important part of the ROI analysis. The cumulative nature of electric bills is often overlooked, and a person paying $250/month may not realize that they will pay $116,000 over a 25-year period under just 3.5% utility inflation, or $143,000 with a 5% inflation rate. Solar offers a solution to a problem that we are very used to and is served to us in small doses, making it less noticeable, however if addressed solar carries a tremendous financial potential, and that doesn’t include the property value increase (without increasing the property tax), and other tangible and non-tangible benefits.

How many solar panels will I need? How is the solar system sized?

There are three main criteria to consider:

Consumption and consumption trends. Accurately establishing consumption can sometimes be challenging and needs to be done accurately with the future in mind. Will there be people moving in or out of the home? Will an EV be purchased in the near future? Is energy storage a consideration? These and many other questions need to be addressed in addition to evaluating the historical usage.

Site Conditions. Based on the site-specific conditions, the efficiency of the solar panels will vary. Those conditions include shading, azimuth, orientation, tilt, and other site considerations. An accurate design is critical to assure that the system is able to achieve all the goals set forth by the project while not oversizing due to the inability to monetize excess power.

Utility considerations and maximizing the payback. Oftentimes, energy use profile and self-consumption will affect the feasibility and ROI and need to be taken in consideration when sizing a system. PPM has advanced tools designed to solve this problem and tweak the sizing to achieve the best financial/production/autonomy ratio for the project.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. To find out more, read our updated privacy policy. More information.