Tampa Bay Solar

Business Details

16 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Trusted Solar Solutions in Tampa, FL

Founded by a Navy SEAL veteran with over two decades of service, Tampa Bay Solar was born from a mission to provide reliable, sustainable energy solutions rooted in trust and resilience. Our team, many of whom are veterans, brings the same precision and dedication honed in high-stakes environments to every solar installation. We specialize in custom residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial solar systems, designed to withstand Florida's challenging weather while delivering long-term energy independence. With over 2,000 projects completed, we pride ourselves on in-house expertise, American-made products, and a commitment to empowering communities through clean energy.

Our partnerships with programs like Florida Solar for All and the USDA's REAP grant ensure accessibility for homeowners and nonprofits alike. From system design to installation and ongoing support, we treat every client as a neighbor, ensuring seamless transitions to solar power with minimal downtime. Our track record of excellence, highlighted by customer testimonials praising our responsiveness during hurricanes and proactive service upgrades, underscores our dedication to quality and innovation.

Services

Residential Solar Commercial Solar Solar Battery Backup Nonprofit Solar Agricultural & Industrial Solar

Details

Year established: 2010

Highlights and features

Veteran-owned with over 20 years of technical and leadership experience.
Specialize in hurricane-resistant solar systems designed for Florida's climate.
In-house installation teams ensure quality control and accountability.
Offer 25+ year manufacturer-backed performance guarantees on all systems.
Partner with federal programs like REAP and Direct Pay to maximize savings.

What people say

Professional installation Hurricane-ready systems Proactive service upgrades Transparent communication Reliable backup power

Website

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Services

Residential Solar

Custom solar systems for homeowners, reducing energy bills and increasing property value. Designed for Florida's climate with American-made panels and 25+ year warranties. Includes net metering for selling excess energy back to the grid.

Commercial Solar

Scalable solar solutions for businesses, cutting energy costs by 50-90%. Eligible for 30% federal tax credits and REAP grants. Engineered for durability in high-demand environments like warehouses and manufacturing plants.

Solar Battery Backup

Battery systems paired with solar panels for uninterrupted power during outages. Ideal for hurricane preparedness, storing excess energy for nighttime use or grid emergencies.

Nonprofit Solar

Affordable solar programs for tax-exempt organizations, including 30% Direct Pay reimbursements. Supports schools, churches, and charities in reducing operational costs while promoting sustainability.

Agricultural & Industrial Solar

High-efficiency solar for farms and industrial sites, powering irrigation, cold storage, and machinery. Combines cost savings with eligibility for USDA REAP grants and long-term energy stability.

People

Steve Rutherford

Founder & President

A Navy SEAL Commander for 22 years, Steve transitioned his technical expertise in energy systems to found Tampa Bay Solar. He holds advanced degrees in Applied Physics and National Resource Strategy, driving innovation in solar technology and policy.

Gregg Glover

Operations Director & Shareholder

A former NOAA hurricane tracker pilot, Gregg combines engineering precision with firsthand knowledge of Florida's weather challenges. He oversees seamless installations and customer support, ensuring systems meet rigorous resilience standards.

Questions

What solar financing options are available?

We offer zero-down financing, federal tax credits, and programs like REAP grants to make solar accessible for homeowners and businesses.

How do solar panels handle hurricanes?

Our systems are engineered for Florida's weather, with reinforced mounting and durable panels tested against high winds and debris impact.

Can solar reduce my business's energy costs?

Commercial installations can cut energy bills by 50-90%, with federal tax credits covering up to 30% of installation costs.

What warranties are included?

All systems come with 25+ year manufacturer-backed performance guarantees and comprehensive workmanship warranties.

How does solar battery backup work?

Batteries store excess solar energy for use during outages, ensuring critical systems like refrigeration and lighting remain operational.

Are there incentives for nonprofit solar?

Nonprofits qualify for the 30% Direct Pay program, allowing tax-exempt organizations to receive cash rebates instead of tax credits.

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Reviews (5)

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Shawn Brown

Jan 03, 2022 Report

Fantastic job by the Tampa Bay Solar Team. They were very professional, respectful, and had great attention to detail. They addressed all of my concerns and questions. I would highly recommend them if you are looking to install solar panels on your roof.

Eric Cruz

Dec 27, 2021 Report

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 Report

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!

Joe Isaia

Nov 26, 2021 Report

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

Denise Whittaker

Nov 14, 2021 Report

I was so nervous about getting solar for many reasons but Sharon talked me through everything!!! She put my mind completely at ease. There was zero pressure and she made it clear her concern was my happiness not the sale. That meant everything to me!! When Petro and his guys came out to install they were so nice and kept me updated on everything they were doing! Nicole answered all my questions and made it perfectly clear I could ask her anything and shed help me through it! I will always and forever recommend Tampa Bay Solar!!!