4.7
1,300+ Reviews
Top 10 Solar Installer by Forbes

Sarasota's #1 Solar Company: Slash Your FPL Bill with Hurricane-Rated Solar Panels

"Solar is over producing and we are saving $$$ !! Thank you to the Solar Bear team for working with me during the installation."

Top 10 Solar Installer
Top 10 Solar Installer
Get your Free Energy Audit

Use our quick contact form and our team will respond

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please refresh the page and try again.
High-efficiency Tesla solar panel installation by Solar Bear in Lakewood Ranch, FL—engineered for Sarasota and Manatee County hurricane codes and seamless FPL utility interconnection.
Blake Ambrester - Solar Expert
Expertly Verified

Technical Oversight by Blake Ambrester

Solar Bear is a Licensed Florida Solar Contractor #EC13006630 . This utility data and system modeling has been reviewed for 2026 grid compliance and rate accuracy.

Solar Storage

Save Solar Now, Use It Later

Your solar panels do more than just lower your bill. With a reliable solar backup battery, you can capture excess energy during the day to power your home through Tampa Bay’s hurricane seasons, Gulf Coast grid outages, and TECO or Duke Energy peak rates.

1. Your local power grid shuts off

Storms and other hazards can cause power outages that can last for days.

2. Your solar Backup Battery kicks In

This energy is stored in your backup battery which you can use when you decide to.

3. Your stored Solar powers your home!

Be prepared during storms and outages, save money, and use green energy.

How to Beat the FPL Rate Hikes

The Problem

Homeowners in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are facing a new reality of "minimum plus" billing from FPL. Even with conservative energy use, a series of fuel adjustments and base rate increases means that traditional homes are seeing monthly bills climb toward $200 faster than ever before.

The Solution

By installing high-performance solar panels specifically engineered for the high-wind coastal requirements of Sarasota County, you cap your utility liability. You transition from being a customer of the grid to a partner with the sun, utilizing net-metering to offset your highest-usage hours.

The Result

Financial certainty. As BK experienced, your FPL bill can drop from a volatile $160 down to the absolute minimum connection fee of $25.66. You effectively lock in your power costs for the next 30 years, protecting your household from the inevitable rate hikes of the future.

Solar bear Warranty

The Top Solar Warranty in the Industry

1
30 Year Solar Panel Guarantee

Your high-efficiency solar hardware is protected against manufacturing defects, material failures, or physical degradation for three decades.

2
25 Year Production Guarantee

We provide a long-term performance "betting agreement" that ensures your panels will continue to generate a specified percentage of their original power output for 25 years.

3
25 Year  Workmanship Warranty

We stand behind the quality of our labor by covering any issues related to the physical installation, wiring, or mounting of your system for a full quarter-century.

No Leak Guarantee for 10 Years

Water-tight protection guaranteed for 10 years on all roof penetrations.

Services

Our Solar Energy Solutions in Sarasota

Central Florida Solar Panel Installation Crew at Solar Bear.

Solar Panel Installation

Transform your home into a clean energy powerhouse with a custom-designed residential solar installation from Solar Bear. Our process begins with a detailed energy assessment and home energy audit to understand your family's unique consumption patterns. We then design a high-efficiency Photovoltaic (PV) system using top-tier, hurricane-rated solar panels from industry leaders like Q CELLS and SunPower, paired with advanced Enphase Microinverters for maximum power generation. Our DBPR Licensed and certified solar installers handle every aspect of the project, from securing solar permitting in Sarasota County to seamless solar roofing integration and electrical panel upgrades. The primary goal is to help you reduce your electric bill significantly, achieve energy independence from utility providers like Florida Power & Light (FPL), and make a sound financial solar investment that increases your home's value. We help you capitalize on every available incentive, including Florida's net metering program, to maximize your return on investment (ROI).
Learn more
Battery Backup system installation services for residents and commercial properties across central Florida.

Backup Battery (Solar + Storage)

In Southwest Florida, power outages are not a matter of 'if,' but 'when.' Solar battery storage is the ultimate solution for energy security and peace of mind. Solar Bear is a certified installer of leading solar battery systems, including the renowned Tesla Powerwall. By pairing your solar panels with a battery, you can store the excess solar energy your system generates during the day instead of sending it all back to the grid. When the sun goes down, or more importantly, when a hurricane or storm knocks out the grid, your home seamlessly switches to its stored battery power. This technology provides true energy independence, allowing you to power your essential appliances—like refrigerators, AC units, and medical devices—for hours or even days. A grid-tied solar system with battery backup, like the Tesla Powerwall, gives you the best of both worlds: savings from net metering and the reliable security of an off-grid solar setup when you need it most.
Learn more
Professional Level 2 EV charger installation and solar maintenance -Central Florida

EV Charger Installation

As renewable energy technology evolves, so do the needs of Florida homeowners. Solar Bear provides a holistic approach to your home's energy ecosystem. We offer professional EV charger installation, allowing you to power your electric vehicle with the clean, free energy produced by your own rooftop solar panels. This synergy dramatically reduces your transportation costs and carbon footprint. Furthermore, to maximize the effectiveness of your solar power for homes, we offer supplemental energy efficiency upgrades. This can include services like installing solar attic fans, which reduce the cooling load on your HVAC system, or conducting a comprehensive home energy audit to identify other areas for improvement. By combining a solar panel installation with these smart upgrades, you ensure that every kilowatt-hour your system produces is used as efficiently as possible, delivering the fastest and most significant reduction in your overall energy costs.
Learn more

Ready to Start Saving?

10,000+ Happy Customers
Forbes Rated Top 10 Solar Businesses
Solar Installation AND Roofing Experts
Get your Free Energy Audit

Use our quick contact form and our team will respond

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please refresh the page and try again.
Awards & Recognition

Award-Winning Florida Solar Company

BBB A+ Rated
Energysage
Solar Reviews
Inc. 5000
#29 Top 100
Solar Bear install crew on a Sarasota Panel, Battery and EV charger install job.
Verified Sarasota operations

Real installs across Sarasota & the Suncoast — with the people who did the work.

Every Solar Bear install in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice and Bradenton — across Sarasota and Manatee counties — is signed off by a named technician, validated on Google, and tied to a licensed Florida solar contractor (FL EC13006630). Our Suncoast systems are engineered for Gulf Coast hurricane wind loads and FPL net-metering from day one, and every profile below links to a real LinkedIn while every review link opens the original on Google Maps. Technical oversight by Blake Ambrester, Solar Bear founder.

4.7
Google rating · 2,300 verified reviews
FPL
Net-metering partner across Sarasota & Manatee
2
Counties permitted: Sarasota · Manatee
EC13006630
FL DBPR Certified Electrical Contractor · State-verified

The Sarasota team on your install

Tom Lehm, Solar Bear Senior Regional Sales Director

Tom Lehm

Senior Regional Sales Director

Verify on LinkedIn
Brittany Walsh, Solar Bear project manager

Brittany Walsh

Project Manager

Verify on LinkedIn
Jacob Hernandez, Solar Bear install lead — hurricane-rated racking and Tesla Powerwall systems

Jacob Hernandez

Install Lead · Hurricane-Rated & Battery

Verify on LinkedIn
James Davis, Solar Bear permitting and inspections lead for Sarasota and Manatee counties

James Davis

Solar Power Designer & Permitting Lead

Verify on LinkedIn
Erin Fishburne, Solar Bear Suncoast service coordinator

Erin Fishburne

Service Coordinator

Verify on LinkedIn
4.7★ on Google · Sarasota & the Suncoast

Sarasota homeowners, named crews, verified FPL-ready installs.

Read all Google reviews
Verified Sarasota install · FPL bill drop

“Both months were for the minimum amount you have to pay FPL — $25.66. My bills before solar ranged from $130 to $160.”

BK's first two full FPL statements after Sarasota activation came in at the $25.66 minimum connection fee — a drop from a volatile $130–$160 range. Exactly the FPL rate-hike hedge the Sarasota page promises: high-performance, hurricane-rated panels engineered for Sarasota County wind loads, FPL net-metering dialed in from day one, and a 30-year warranty stack locking in the new number.

FPL · Net-metering $25.66 minimum bill Hurricane-rated system FL EC13006630 · Licensed
One-day install · Financial ROI walk-through

“The sales process was simple and quick. Brett Cardoso explained the tax credits and the depreciation — then Brian, Alec and Anthony did an extremely professional job.”

The other half of the Sarasota value story: before the roof work even starts, Brett Cardoso walks through federal tax credits and the depreciation schedule so the ROI is on paper, not a promise. The install crew — Brian, Alec and Anthony — then executed a full Gulf-Coast system and talked through the roof-leak-prevention steps on-site. Exactly the end-to-end pattern Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch homeowners expect before signing.

Brett Cardoso · Solar consultant Federal tax credit + depreciation Brian · Alec · Anthony · Install crew
Consult → Install → Closing meeting

“From our initial meeting, to installation, to our closing meeting — everyone was friendly, professional and knowledgeable about each step.”

The clean residential hand-off the Sarasota page promises as "a true end-to-end partnership." Troy Yarborough opened the consult, a quick and efficient install crew handled the roof day, and the closing meeting confirmed production and Enphase app access. Exactly the process Solar Bear runs for every Suncoast homeowner from Siesta Key to Lakewood Ranch.

Troy Yarborough Closing meeting · Enphase app End-to-end hand-off

Built for Florida, Guaranteed to Last

We don't just install solar panels; we install confidence. Our systems exclusively feature hurricane-rated solar panels and mounting hardware engineered to withstand Southwest Florida's severe weather. As a licensed and insured solar company with deep local roots, we back our work with robust, 25-year solar panel warranties and a 10-year workmanship guarantee, ensuring your solar investment is protected for decades.

Maximum Financial Savings & ROI

Our expertise goes beyond installation. We are masters of solar financing options and navigating the complex landscape of solar rebates and incentives. We design every system to maximize your savings through FPL's net metering program. Our free solar quote includes a detailed financial breakdown, so you can see your projected savings and return on investment upfront.

Unmatched Local Expertise & Certification

We are not a faceless national chain. We are your neighbors, serving Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key. Our team includes some of the best solar installers in the state, holding the highest industry credentials. This means your project is handled by certified solar installers who adhere to the strictest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

A True End-to-End Partnership

From your initial solar consultation to ongoing solar maintenance and repair, Solar Bear is with you every step of the way. We manage the entire solar installation process, including complex solar permitting and system design, providing a seamless and stress-free experience. Our commitment to you continues long after your system is activated, with dedicated support and monitoring to ensure peak performance for years to come.

★★★★★

"I got my FPL bills for the 1st 2 full months having Solar Panels. Both months were for the minimum amount you have to pay FPL = $25.66!! My bills before the solar panels ranged from $130 to $160."

BKVerified Sarasota Installation

Solar Bear service van equipped for solar repair and battery backup installation throughout Central Florida and the Space Coast.
Testimonials

Hear From Our Customers

4.7
1,300+ Reviews
Reviews

Solar Bear Reviews

If I could give 100 stars, I would. Everyone has been wonderful. Justin was fantastic, he was patient as he worked with us to get...
Mary Weathers
I haven't paid and electric bill in years! This is my 2nd time going with Solar Bear... We will continue to recommend to friends and family...
Tom Lehm
What a great experience with Solarbear solar company. These guys were here at 9:00 and worked the day installing 40 solar panels...
Robert Robbins
One of the best things about Solar Bear is their solar techs.  We just recently had an unplanned power failure which, among other things disabled...
Cheryl Matzdorf
Solar Bear were Amazing to deal with! They over delivered what was expected. My Rep Keven was also Amazing to deal with!
Paul Gray
I recently had Solar Bear install solar panels on my home, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! From start to finish, the process was smooth...
Josh Williams
Resources

Solar Savings Guides

Net Metering

Earn credits for excess solar energy you send to the grid, lowering future electric bills and maximizing your solar savings.

2026 Florida Solar Incentives & Tax Credits

Take advantage of federal, state, and local solar incentives to lower your upfront costs and maximize your long-term savings.

Solar Costs & Value

Learn more about the short and long-term savings benefits solar has to offer.

Financing

Find the right financing option for you. Learn more about the different financing options for your solar install.

Roof type

Solar Panels for Any Roof Type

Go with Solar Bear for solar panel installation in Florida. Celebrate the freedom to choose!

Our team installs solar panels on virtually any type of roof so you can take advantage of our limitless solar energy source in the Sunshine State:

Flat Roofs
Barrel/Cement Tiles
Asphalt Shingles
All Metal Roofs
FAQ

Sarasota Solar FAQs

Who is the most reputable solar company in Florida?

The most reputable solar company in Florida is one that demonstrates a deep commitment to quality, transparency, and local expertise. Look for a company like Solar Bear that is fully licensed and insured, employs certified solar installers, and has a long track record of positive solar customer reviews in your specific area (like Sarasota and Manatee County). A reputable installer will offer robust, long-term solar panel warranties, use hurricane-rated equipment suitable for Florida's climate, and provide a clear, detailed solar quote without high-pressure sales tactics. True reputability comes from being a long-term partner in your community, not just a temporary installer.

What is the 20% rule for solar panels?

The "20% rule" often refers to a guideline for sizing a solar energy system to produce about 20% more energy than your current annual consumption. This strategic oversizing accounts for two key factors. First, solar panel efficiency naturally degrades slightly over time (typically less than 1% per year). Second, it anticipates future increases in your energy usage, such as purchasing an electric vehicle or adding a new appliance. By planning for this buffer, you ensure your home solar power system will continue to meet or exceed your needs for the entire 25+ year lifespan of the panels, protecting your energy independence and savings.

Why is my electric bill so high if I have solar panels?

If your electric bill is still high after a solar installation, it's typically due to one of a few reasons. The most common is that the system was undersized for your actual energy consumption. Another possibility is a significant increase in your household's energy use after the system was installed. It could also be related to issues with the utility's net metering program, equipment malfunctions, or even panels being shaded for a significant portion of the day. At Solar Bear, our meticulous solar energy assessment and system design process aims to prevent this from happening by accurately forecasting your needs and engineering the perfect-sized system from day one.

Ready for Energy Independence? Contact Us Today

Stop renting your power from the utility company and start owning it. With rising electric rates and Florida's unpredictable weather, there has never been a better time to invest in a solar energy system for your home or business. The team at Solar Bear is here to make the process simple, transparent, and rewarding. We'll provide you with a comprehensive, free solar quote tailored to your property and financial goals. Learn how you can harness the power of the sun to achieve lasting savings and security.