Solar Panels in Florida
The Sunshine State -- #3 in Solar Potential
$1,400/yr
Avg. Annual Savings
5.5 peak hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours
9–11 years
Payback Period
$14,000–$22,000
Avg. System Cost
Overview
Is Solar Worth It in Florida?
Florida is not called the "Sunshine State" for nothing -- in fact, it ranks third among all U.S. states in terms of solar potential. More and more homeowners are realizing that and installing solar panels on their roofs.
And while solar energy systems have become more commercially viable than ever before, they're still not a cheap investment. Luckily, the worldwide drive for sustainability and cleaner energy has spurred many government and private entities to offer great solar incentives to Florida homeowners who are still on the fence.
Benefits
Why Go Solar in Florida
Reduce Your Electric Bill
Florida homeowners save an average of $1,400/yr after going solar.
State & Local Incentives
Florida offers property tax exemptions, net metering credits, and other state-level incentives that reduce your net cost. The federal 30% ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Increase Home Value
Solar panels increase your home's resale value — and are excluded from property tax in most states.
Energy Independence
Lock in your electricity rate and protect against rising utility costs for 25+ years.
Available Incentives
Florida Solar Incentives & Tax Credits
Florida Net Metering (FL NEM)
Net MeteringSell your excess solar energy back to the grid and earn Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that carry forward for 12 months at the retail rate of your power company.
Property Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionSolar panels add value to your home but are excluded from your property tax assessment under Florida's residential renewable energy tax exclusion. Your property taxes won't go up.
Sales Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionFlorida exempts solar energy systems from the state's 6% sales tax, saving you hundreds on the purchase of your panels and equipment.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (Expired)
Tax CreditThe 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Not available for 2026 purchases. Solar leases/PPAs may still benefit through commercial credits.
What Changed in 2026 for Florida Solar
The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025 — here's what that means for Florida homeowners and what options remain.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit Has Expired
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Florida homeowners who purchase a solar system in 2026 will not receive the 30% federal tax credit -- meaning the full system cost now comes out of pocket before state incentives. A typical 8kW system in Florida that previously cost ~$11,200 after the ITC now costs $16,000–$18,000 before any state-level savings.
Lease and PPA Customers Are the Exception
If you finance solar through a lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the installer owns the system and can still claim commercial-tier federal tax credits -- then pass those savings through in the form of a lower monthly rate. For homeowners who can't absorb the full upfront cost, a lease or PPA may now offer better economics than a cash purchase in 2026.
What Still Drives the Math in Florida
Florida's property and sales tax exemptions remain fully intact, and net metering through FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO continues to credit excess generation at the retail rate. With electricity rates rising 4–6% annually in Florida, the payback math still works -- it just takes longer. Most Florida homeowners installing in 2026 should expect a 9–11 year payback period instead of the 6–8 years that was typical when the ITC was available.
Utility Programs
Solar Incentives by Utility in Florida
Your utility determines which programs you qualify for. Find your provider below to see net metering rates, rebates, and production incentives available in your area.
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Service territory: Southeast and east-central Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.12–$0.14/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
85–100%
FPL offers net metering to residential solar customers — excess energy is credited at the full retail rate and rolls forward monthly. FPL's SolarTogether program allows customers without suitable rooftops to subscribe to a share of a community solar farm and receive bill credits. For rooftop solar, FPL's interconnection process is generally 30–60 days. FPL has the lowest residential rates among Florida's major utilities (~$0.12–$0.14/kWh), which slightly extends payback periods compared to higher-rate utilities.
Duke Energy Florida
Service territory: Tampa Bay area, central Florida, and the Crystal River region
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.13–$0.16/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
85–100%
Duke Energy Florida offers net metering at the retail rate and has historically offered solar rebates through its state-approved incentive programs. Duke's residential rates are slightly higher than FPL's, which improves the solar payback math for Tampa Bay homeowners. Duke Energy has filed for multiple rate increases in recent years — locking in your electricity rate with solar now provides long-term protection against future increases. Check Duke's current rebate availability before installation as program funding is limited.
Tampa Electric (TECO)
Service territory: Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Plant City)
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.13–$0.15/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
85–100%
Tampa Electric offers net metering to residential solar customers in Hillsborough County. Excess generation is credited at the retail rate. TECO's rates have increased steadily, making solar increasingly attractive for Tampa homeowners. TECO's interconnection process is typically 30–45 days. Tampa homeowners should compare TECO quotes alongside Duke Energy quotes — some areas near the county border may be served by either utility.
Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA)
Service territory: Jacksonville and Duval County
Net Metering
Retail rate (~$0.11–$0.13/kWh)
Avg Bill Offset
80–95%
JEA offers standard net metering to residential solar customers in Jacksonville. JEA's rates are among the lowest in Florida, which means solar payback periods in Jacksonville are slightly longer than in FPL or Duke territory. However, JEA's rates have been rising, and Jacksonville's strong sun (5.5 peak hours/day) still makes solar a sound long-term investment. JEA does not currently offer a production-based incentive beyond net metering.
Cost by City
Solar Panel Cost in Florida Cities (2026)
Costs reflect typical 8–9kW residential systems after Florida state incentives (no federal ITC — expired Dec 31, 2025). Click any city for a full cost breakdown.
| City | System Size | Gross Cost | After Incentives | Payback | Utility | Avg Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa | 9kW | $16,000–$20,000 | $15,000–$18,500 | 9–11 yrs | Duke Energy / TECO | $155–$195 |
| Orlando | 9kW | $15,500–$19,500 | $14,500–$18,000 | 9–11 yrs | Duke Energy Florida | $145–$185 |
| Jacksonville | 8kW | $14,000–$18,000 | $13,000–$16,500 | 10–13 yrs | JEA | $120–$155 |
| Miami | 9kW | $16,500–$21,000 | $15,500–$19,500 | 9–11 yrs | FPL | $145–$185 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 9kW | $15,500–$20,000 | $14,500–$18,500 | 9–11 yrs | FPL | $140–$180 |
* Costs are estimates based on local installer data and may vary. Federal ITC (30%) expired December 31, 2025.
Common Questions
Florida Solar FAQ
Local Solar Companies
Solar Companies by City in Florida
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Deep Dive
Read our complete Florida solar incentives guide
Every rebate, tax credit, and net metering rule explained in detail.
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