Solar power in Florida

Solar panels in Florida can help you save thousands of dollars in energy costs over their 25–30-year lifespan. The average cost of going solar in Florida is $28,933, which can be high for many of the state’s residents. However, savings on electricity bills can offset the initial expense, leading to significant savings in the long term. Depending on your consumption and system size, you may be able to recover the cost of your installation in 6–10 years. 

Florida is the “Sunshine State” for a reason. The ample sunshine and warm climate make rooftop solar an excellent investment in Florida. Most homes in the state average 230 days of sunshine yearly, allowing residents to produce most of their electricity at home. Florida’s hot and sunny climate increases air conditioning usage, increasing electricity bills. Florida’s average residential electricity bill is $166.81 per month as of May 2023, putting it in the top 10 states with the highest electricity bills.

The solar policy has played a critical role in bringing solar to homes and businesses in Florida and across the U.S.  Ranked third in the country for solar power generation, Florida has made significant strides in adopting solar with policies like net metering and renewable portfolio standards. Furthermore, various utilities and municipalities offer additional solar rebates for those purchasing solar panels for homes.

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Florida solar panel cost

The cost of solar panels in the U.S. has come down in recent years, making them more affordable and accessible for homeowners. However, solar pricing varies depending on several factors, including location, system size, components, and eligible incentives. According to data from Find Energy, an average home solar system in Florida costs around $28,933 for a 9-kW system. The average price per watt in Florida is $3.21.

The following table calculates the total cost of various solar system sizes in Florida.

Compare solar panel cost and size in Florida

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

Your total cost may be thousands less because of solar incentives like the Residential Clean Energy Credit. This federal solar tax credit provides 30% of the total price of your solar system as a credit when you file your federal income taxes. The following table compares the cost of solar in Florida to the national average. 

Florida vs. the U.S.

The cost of solar in Florida is close to the national average. Depending on your electricity consumption, you can calculate an estimated payback period. If you pay $28,933 for a 9-kW solar system in Florida, and your electric bill is the state monthly average of $168.35, the payback period for your solar system in Florida will be about nine years when factoring in the 30% federal tax credit.

Factors determining Florida solar panel costs

The cost of solar panels in Florida depends on your specific energy needs. The following factors can influence the cost of solar you may find in quotes or estimates:

The best Florida solar panel incentives and rebates

2023 is a great year to cash in on Florida solar rebates, tax credits, and other incentives. One of the most significant incentives is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the ITC), which lets you claim a 30% credit in your federal taxes. The U.S. Congress extended this tax credit in 2022 for 10 years as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the historic climate law. It can be used retroactively for systems installed at the beginning of 2022. The credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before ending in 2035.

Florida has a net metering statute that ensures “customer-owned renewable generation is allowed to offset the customer’s electricity consumption,” also called net metering. Find more info on your electric provider’s net metering program and application process below:

• Central Florida Electric Cooperative
• Florida Power & Light
• KEYS Energy Services
• SECO Energy
• Seminole Electric Cooperative
• Tampa Electric (TECO)
• West Florida Electric Cooperative
• Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative

In addition to the federal solar tax credit, below is a list of state solar incentives that can further offset the overall cost of solar panels in Florida.

Solar incentives in Jacksonville

If you are a resident of Jacksonville, your utility is probably Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), which serves 488,000 electric customers. As a municipal utility, JEA offers several solar incentives: 

• Under JEA’s net metering program, solar system owners in Jacksonville can receive a credit on their monthly electric bills for sending excess solar generation to the grid. JEA calculates the credit using the retail value of electricity. Energy credits will accumulate throughout the year and will be valid until December 31st of a calendar year. If there is any outstanding balance on the JEA customer account at the end of the year, the credit balance will be applied to those balances. After that, the utility will compensate any remaining balance in customer account credits. Customers who have a total credit of $600 or more for the previous year will receive an IRS 1099-MISC tax form at the end of the year, showing the sum of all monthly credits.
• JEA also provides an online tool called WattPlan to help customers understand their energy consumption and reduce their energy bills. With WattPlan, you can track your daily energy use and cost fluctuations, calculate your savings with solar panels, find energy-saving tips based on your consumption habits, and receive information on rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.
• Consider a community solar subscription if you’re on the fence about installing solar. You can join the JEA SolarSmart community solar program, which allows residential and commercial customers to receive 100% of their electricity from JEA’s local solar farms. JEA also gives its customers a $400 rebate on new solar water heaters.

Solar incentives in Miami

• Florida Power & Light, Miami’s electric utility, provides net metering benefits for its solar customers who receive full retail value for sending the surplus electricity generated from their solar panels. Excess electricity from one month will earn credits on the next month’s bill.
• Miami residents who can’t afford to own solar panels can join a solar cooperative. A solar cooperative is created by multiple households and businesses that solicit numerous bids from solar developers to buy solar energy at a discounted rate. A solar cooperative allows neighbors to pool their resources together and increase their market power by demanding more affordable costs and fair treatment.

Solar incentives in Orlando

Central Florida, which includes Orlando, is one of the top-ranked areas of the state in installed solar power. You can increase your savings in Orlando if you use solar energy. 

• Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), a municipally-owned public utility providing electricity and water to 240,000 customers in Orlando,offers a shared program called OUCommunity Solar for residential and commercial customers in the city. 
• While the community solar program is paused for re-evaluation, OUC plans to expand its solar programs to meet its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. OUC will increase its solar generation by buying power from two 74.5-megawatt solar systems in Orlando currently under construction. 
• Residents of Orlando can get a $900 rebate when they buy a solar thermal (hot water) heater. This rebate and the federal tax credits, can significantly lower your investment in solar equipment. OUC administers rebates for solar thermal systems.
• To qualify for the rebate, you can use an OUC Preferred Solar Contractor who can give you the rebate at the point of sale. If you use a non-OUC Preferred Solar Contractor, you must submit this application to OUC for reimbursement.

Why choose Florida solar power?

As a Florida resident, you can use several incentives to reduce your solar investment. Here’s how:

• In 2022, the U.S. government extended the 30% federal solar tax credit for 10 more years for those who install solar panels. This tax credit may help you recover more than a quarter of the cost of solar panels in Florida.
• Net metering benefits are also still in effect. Gov. DeSantis vetoed HB 741 in April 2022, which would have limited how much solar energy customers could sell back to their utility.

Save by going solar in Florida

Over the life of the solar panels, the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity your system produces will likely be cheaper than the cost of electricity from utilities. Installing solar panels allows you to generate electricity at no cost after your payback period. Those who invest in residential solar panels can save hundreds or thousands year in energy costs versus the average electricity rate for traditional power in Florida. 

Greater independence from the power grid

Any time a power outage from a Florida hurricane leaves you without electricity, energy resilience, and independence become a concern. Solar with a backup battery can power essential appliances during a temporary outage. Additionally, surges in demand on the grid won’t impact your electricity rates because of your fixed solar panel costs. 

Go green

Many Floridians want to help the environment, and solar panels can lower your environmental footprint. According to the Energy Information Administration, homes constitute about 20% of U.S. carbon emissions. Going solar can help you make a significant environmental impact as an individual. As clean and renewable energy, solar generation doesn’t emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You can cut your home’s greenhouse gas emissions while saving on your electric bills over the long term.

Solar financing options

Buying, leasing, entering a power purchase agreement, or joining a community solar program come with different costs and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages.

Florida solar panel companies

More than 460 Florida solar companies offer solar installation for your home. Many Florida solar panel installers can customize a solar system ideal for your home. Start your research into the solar industry with the guides and resources on this page. Once you know the basics of solar panels, finding the right Florida solar panel installer is much easier.

Learn more about solar panel companies in Florida by completing the form on this page. We can put you in touch with dependable solar providers in your area.

Solar installer	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2020	Purchasing, financing, or leasing systems	10-year quality-of-work guarantee and 25-year manufacturer warranty
	2009	Purchasing, financing, or leasing systems	25-year quality of work and 25-year product warranties
	2010	Purchasing, financing, or leasing systems	Minimum 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee

How does Florida solar save you money?

Hot weather and high air conditioning usage in Florida can lead to expensive energy bills. Your solar system in Florida can save you money in several ways:

• Lowering electricity bills. Solar panels reduce your reliance on the power grid, lowering how much power you pull from the grid. The less traditional electricity you consume, the less your electric bill will be. With abundant sunshine, Florida is an ideal location for solar energy generation.
• Maximizing credits. Florida’s net metering policy allows solar panel owners to receive bill credits for any extra electricity they generate and send back to the grid. These credits can offset future electricity costs when your panels may not generate electricity, saving you money on electricity bills.
• Stable energy prices. Once you’ve covered the initial installation costs, your solar panels will continue generating electricity for years. As utility electricity prices increase over time, you can enjoy steady electricity costs by relying on solar power, guaranteeing long-term savings.

What to look for in a solar contractor

Picking a reputable and reliable solar installer is essential to going solar. Consider these factors before deciding on a contractor:

• Licensing and certifications. Ask a contractor for their licenses and certifications mandated by your state or local authorities. This will guarantee that the installer follows industry standards and regulations. Some installers may also independently seek other accreditations.  
• Experience. Look for a company with experience and a solid track record of installing solar systems in your area. Ask for references and examples of their previous work, including photos.  
• Reviews. Read online customer reviews and ask for references from previous customers to ensure the company has a good reputation, high customer satisfaction, and trusted quality of work. Check online for any lawsuits against the company. 
• Customer service. Accessible customer service can make or break your experience with a company Read up on customer reviews about responsiveness to complaints and issues before settling on a contractor. Poor customer service can cause stress and additional costs if your solar system doesn’t work properly.
• Quality products. Inquire about the brands and types of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment they use. Products from reputable manufacturers with good warranties and proven performance will ensure your system lasts for decades.
• Warranty. Understand all available warranties from your installer of choice. A reliable company should provide warranties covering the installation services and the equipment.

Beware of free solar panel scams in Florida

There are no free solar panels because they have various costs, such as equipment, installation, labor, permits, and other expenses. Solar companies usually recover these costs through several payment methods — upfront cash payment, financing, or lease agreements. Advertisements claiming to offer free solar panels are either clickbait or fraud. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the federal government doesn’t provide free solar panels or request private companies to offer them. 

Companies offering solar leasing or a power purchase agreement (PPA) may use free solar panel installations as sales pitches. However, leasing and PPAs often come with financial obligations for up to 25 years. Therefore, even when the solar company covers the initial solar panel installation cost, you will ultimately be responsible for paying for the system by cash, loan, or leasing. Getting several solar quotes can help you gauge the cost of solar panels in Florida.

Important solar installation factors to consider in Florida

Before committing to solar, it’s good to consider some factors that can impact the effectiveness of solar panels.

• Roof age, condition, and angle: Your roof’s pitch, age, and shape are some of the critical factors of a solar system. The U.S. Department of Energy considers an angle between 15 and 40 degrees optimal for panel efficiency. Your solar installer will assess the viability of your home for solar panels to determine whether your roof is a good candidate for solar panels in Florida. 
• Shading around your home: Trees or other obstructions shading your property will impact the efficiency of your solar system year-round.
• Investment vs. time: Think about how long you plan to live in your home before you invest in solar. Whether you purchase or finance your solar system or enter a lease contract or PPA, they are all long-term obligations. While buying a solar system can add to your home value if you sell it, transferring solar leases and PPAs can be more complicated.