Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Solar Partner in Florida
Tampa Bay Solar was founded on the principles of service, trust, and energy independence. With over a decade of experience since 2010, our veteran-led team specializes in designing and installing custom solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients across Florida. Our expertise extends to solar battery backup systems, nonprofit solar initiatives, and agricultural applications, all supported by American-made components and a commitment to hurricane-resilient installations. We prioritize transparency, offering zero-down financing options and guiding clients through federal tax incentives like the 30% Direct Pay program.Our team, including former Navy SEAL Commander Steve Rutherford and NOAA veteran Gregg Glover, combines technical precision with local knowledge to deliver systems engineered for Florida's climate. With over 2,000 successful projects, we stand by our work through 25+ year manufacturer warranties, ensuring long-term energy savings and environmental impact.
Services
Residential Solar
Commercial Solar
Solar Battery Backup
Nonprofit Solar
Agricultural Solar
Industrial Solar
Solar Financing
System Maintenance
Energy Audits
Hurricane-Resilient Design
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We are veteran-owned and operated, ensuring integrity and precision in every project.
- Our Florida-based team has completed 2000+ installations tailored for hurricane zones.
- We use American-made solar panels with 25+ year performance guarantees.
- Our in-house crews handle every detail from consultation to installation.
- We provide emergency solar panel removal and reinstallation services post-disaster.
What people say
No better solar vendor
Professional installation
Fantastic customer service
Emergency solar removal experts
Seamless system upgrades
Services
Residential Solar
Custom solar systems for Florida homes, designed to reduce energy bills by 50-90%. Includes roof-mounted panels, net metering capabilities, and seamless integration with existing electrical systems. Systems qualify for federal tax credits and state incentives, with financing options available.
Commercial Solar
High-efficiency solar solutions for Florida businesses, reducing operating costs by 50-90%. Systems tailored for rooftops, ground mounts, or solar containers. Qualifies for 30% federal tax credits and REAP grants, with ROI-focused designs for warehouses, offices, and manufacturing facilities.
Solar Battery Backup
Whole-home battery systems for uninterrupted power during outages. Tesla Powerwall integration allows energy storage for nighttime use or grid selling. Critical for hurricane preparedness, maintaining power for HVAC, refrigeration, and essential appliances.
Nonprofit Solar
Specialized solar programs for tax-exempt organizations through the Direct Pay initiative. Provides 30% cash rebates on installations, with additional incentives for low-income communities. Serves schools, churches, and medical centers seeking energy cost reduction and sustainability.
Agricultural Solar
Solar systems designed for agricultural operations, powering irrigation, cold storage, and processing equipment. Qualifies for USDA REAP grants, offering high-efficiency designs that reduce energy costs while maintaining land value and environmental stewardship.
People
Steve Rutherford
Founder & President
Navy SEAL Commander with 22 years service, holds advanced degrees in Applied Physics and National Resource Strategy. Led energy system development for special operations and directed national energy policy research. Founded Tampa Bay Solar in 2010 to promote energy independence.
Gregg Glover
Operations Director
Former NOAA hurricane tracker with engineering expertise. Oversees installation logistics and customer support, leveraging weather data knowledge to design hurricane-resistant solar systems. Focuses on client education and long-term energy planning.
Questions
How do solar panels work during a hurricane?
Our systems use reinforced mounting and American-made panels designed to withstand Category 5 winds. Battery backup systems maintain power during grid outages, and we offer emergency panel removal/reinstallation services for storm-damaged properties.
Can I get solar with little or no upfront cost?
Yes, we offer zero-down financing options and help qualify customers for 30% federal tax credits, USDA REAP grants, and Florida-specific incentives to minimize upfront investment.
What happens when solar panels produce excess energy?
Through net metering, surplus energy gets sent to the grid, earning credits on your utility bill. Our systems optimize this process, with battery storage options to maximize self-consumption.
How long does installation take?
Residential installations typically complete in 3-5 days. Commercial projects vary by scale but benefit from our in-house crews' efficiency, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Do solar panels increase home value?
Yes, studies show solar installations can increase property values by 4-20% while making homes sell faster. Our systems include transferable warranties that enhance resale appeal.
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Reviews (6)
Eric Cruz
Dec 27, 2021
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Tampa Bay Solar did an excellent job installing solar pool heating panels at my home. They finished the job earlier than anticipated, and the head installer, Fanez, was wonderful. He walked me through the entire installation process and system and made sure I was fully satisfied before he left. The process was extremely easy and at a great price. Would highly recommend!
Danny Pimperl
Dec 12, 2021
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Excellent experience from start to finish.
Installation crew did a great job and was very professional. Petrosson, Frencois is and Jack did a fantastic job of communication about all aspects of the install. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Installation crew did a great job and was very professional. Petrosson, Frencois is and Jack did a fantastic job of communication about all aspects of the install. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Joe Isaia
Nov 26, 2021
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We could not be happier with the entire experience with Tampa Bay Solar. The sales process was smooth, not pushy, and our Sales rep was extremely knowledgeable, patient and willing to answer every question we had. After talking to several other sketchy companies this was a welcome change. Pricing was very fair and their goal was to design a system that met our needs not a system to break the bank.
The install could not have been better. The team was very professional, friendly, knowledgeable, fast and tidy. The whole system was installed on a Friday and Saturday with all 30 panels installed on
The install could not have been better. The team was very professional, friendly, knowledgeable, fast and tidy. The whole system was installed on a Friday and Saturday with all 30 panels installed on
Mark Asciutto
Nov 04, 2021
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I'm shocked! A professional well organized company still exists in the USA. From start to finish the entire staff was friendly, prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and timely. I'm very proud of my new USA made solar panels! Extra thanks to the install crew Dan, Dan, Mike and supporting staff. They even cleaned up after themselves! Tampa Bay Solar must be doing something right to be blessed with great employees! Thanks!!!!!!!!
Mars Gc
Oct 17, 2021
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Great team!! Second home where we hire Tampa Bay Solar. Always a great set up team and experience. Keep up the great work!
Larry Hamilton
Oct 11, 2021
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Tampa Bay Solar just replaced our old solar pool heating system with new panels and piping. From the start, communication with Nicole and Sharon was excellent. Work was able to start ahead of schedule and installation was seamless. Fanez was our lead technician assisted by Josh, both went over and above to make sure we were happy with the work and they were very professional and polite. We would highly recommend Tampa Bay Solar!
