Florida Solar Cost: Tax Credits & Rebates Guide 2024

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Edited by

Hannah Hillson

Published on February 27, 2024 | 7 min read

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Key takeaways

After applying the federal solar tax credit to the total expense, the cost of Florida solar averages between about $15,700 and $27,000.
The total cost of solar for your home depends on the number of panels, your energy usage, hardware and soft costs.
Federal, state and local incentives are available to offset the cost of solar.
Using solar power for your home could save you over $31,000 on electricity costs in Florida over time.

How much do solar panels cost in Florida?

The cost of solar panels in Florida depends on several factors, including the number of panels in your system, your home’s annual energy usage and potential roof repairs or electrical work. Find Energy data states the average price per watt in Florida is $3.12 with an average system size of 9 kilowatts (kW). According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, this is lower than the national average of $3.67 per watt with the US average system size of 8.6 kW, making the average nationwide total cost of solar $31,558.

The following table displays Florida solar panel costs for different system sizes before and after applying the federal 30 percent tax credit. The system size is dependent on energy usage: If you want to cover your entire home’s energy usage, you will need a larger array. If you only want to cover a portion of your energy needs and still use some electricity from the grid, you can install a smaller size. You may be able to add more solar panels to your system later, but the overall cost could be greater due to additional installation labor and permitting costs.

System size	Total cost	Cost after 30 percent tax credit
7 kW	$21,840	$15,288
9 kW	$28,080	$19,656
12 kW	$37,440	$26,208

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

Solar panels in Florida

Installing solar panels on your Florida home can help you save money due to rising electricity costs. The state receives an average of 5.7 peak sun hours daily, an ample amount of sun for panel efficiency and production. With a nickname like The Sunshine State, it is no surprise that Florida is a prime location to invest in solar energy.

Homeowners searching to lower their energy bills and reduce their reliance on the electricity grid should consider using solar to power their homes.

How much do solar panels save?

The total amount of monetary savings varies based on how you pay for your system. If you make a cash purchase, you will save more money over time than if you finance with a solar loan due to interest and other fees. Federal and local incentives, including net metering, can further offset the overall costs.

You can calculate your payback period (the time it takes to experience the equivalent in bill savings to your initial solar investment) with a simple equation.

(Total cost – 30 percent tax credit) ÷ (Average monthly bill x 12 months) = payback period

The average electricity bill in Florida of $170.87 makes the average payback period about 10 years. Most solar panels have warranties extending 25 years, with many brands lasting far beyond the standard warranty. You could save over $31,000 on electricity bills throughout the panel’s warranted lifetime. These savings do not account for rising electricity rates, which could increase your savings potential.

Here’s how we calculated the average savings:

(170.87 x 12 months x 25 years) – (28,080 – (28,080 x .30)) = 31,605

Solar panel cost breakdown

The cost of solar panels in Florida decreased by 42 percent over the last decade, but there is no set price for residential systems. The total price for your system will be determined by your selected solar company, location and equipment. Regardless of the variable aspects, the amount you pay is comprised of hardware and soft costs. Hardware costs include the physical materials like the panels, solar batteries and racking equipment. Soft costs include permits, inspections, installation labor and solar company overhead.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) outlines the following factors common to solar installation expenses.

Equipment: Includes the hardware components of the solar system, such as solar panels, inverters, racking and solar batteries. The price will depend on the brand of solar equipment you choose and your solar system size.
Installation: The labor costs of paying workers to install solar panels on your home which may vary by solar company.
Overhead: The marketing, sales and administrative costs of the solar company. You do not specifically pay for overhead, but it is factored into the price.

We recommend getting quotes from multiple solar companies and comparing prices to find the best solar company for your budget.

The best Florida solar incentives or rebates

Florida residents have the golden opportunity to harness the power of living in the Sunshine State while also enjoying significant financial benefits. Floridians have an advantage over other states with property and sales tax exemptions specifically designed for solar installations. In addition, the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit reduces the price by 30 percent and shows as a credit on your income taxes. The full credit applies to homeowners who install solar panels from the beginning of 2022 through 2032. By taking advantage of these Florida solar incentives, you can save thousands while investing in a sustainable future.

The following table details solar incentives in Florida.

Program	Description
Net Metering	You can sell excess electricity from your solar system back to the utility company for credits towards your next energy bill. Check with your utility company for specific details.
Residential Clean Energy Credit	A 30 percent federal tax credit applied to the purchase of solar systems from the beginning of 2022 until 2032. The credit decreases to 26 percent in 2033, 22 percent in 2034 and expires in 2035.
Property Tax Exemption	Residential solar panel systems are exempt from property taxes, so you will not pay any additional tax for the value solar panels add.
Sales Tax Exemption	Solar energy systems are exempt from sales taxes.

Solar panel incentives in Jacksonville

JEA is the main utility company in Jacksonville, providing electricity to 488,000 customers. The company offers several residential solar programs to encourage the transition to green energy. The JEA SolarSmart program is a community solar initiative for residents who do not want solar panels on their homes but still want to use solar energy for power. Customers can choose their level of participation and receive energy from a nearby solar farm. Participants in the SolarSmart program pay $0.075 per kWh without fluctuation, so you know what to expect on your bill each month if you keep up with your energy usage.

Solar panel incentives in Miami

Customers can receive solar panels at a discounted rate through bulk purchases thanks to Solar United Neighbors’ offer in Miami. The solar co-op program requires that you sign an individual contract for your home but are grouped with 50 to 100 neighbors purchasing solar at the same time. This collective approach to purchasing solar helps you take advantage of lower prices and negotiate better deals. The co-op hosts workshops and other events for those who want to expand their knowledge about solar energy.

Solar panel incentives in Orlando

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is a utility company providing electrical services to the Orlando area. OUC offers solar options, including community solar and installing panels on your home. The OUCollective Solar program allows homeowners and businesses to receive wholesale prices and installation services from preferred contractors. OUC also offers a $900 solar thermal rebate for current residential electricity customers who install a solar water heater. These solar offerings from OUC empower customers to embrace solar energy to enjoy its long-term financial and environmental benefits.

Solar panel financing options

Buying your solar panel system outright is the best way to experience a large return on your investment, if you can afford the upfront cost. Paying with cash is not ideal for every budget. Thankfully, there are several other payment methods to make solar more affordable upfront.

Personal loans: A reliable and predictable option. Personal loans offer fixed and variable monthly rate payment plans, plus you can claim the lucrative incentives.
FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans: Easy to qualify mortgage loans to finance your home and solar panel system together. Great options to consider if you are purchasing or renovating your home and want to install solar panels at the same time. Be aware of high-interest rates. An FHA 203(k) loan combines financing for home purchases, remodels and repairs. Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans combine mortgages and refinances. Freddie Mac’s CHOICERenovation mortgage provides loans for home renovations.
Home equity loan and home equity line of credit (HELOC): Consider a HELOC loan if you have a lot of equity in your home. These loans typically have variable interest rates and your monthly payment may change throughout your contract. The interest paid may be tax-deductible and lower the amount you owe for taxes.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A solar company claims ownership of the panels and you pay the company a monthly fee to use the generated power. The upfront costs are low but you do not qualify for solar incentives.
Community solar: A subscription-style service to receive green power from nearby arrays. An excellent option for renters or anyone who does not want to purchase and own a solar system.

Financing options make powering your home with green energy from solar power in Florida a great choice for any budget. Loans provide flexibility to pay for solar over time and are incentive-eligible. However, before signing any contracts, assess the interest rates, repayment terms and any associated fees to ensure the loan aligns with your budget and long-term goals. Evaluating contracts helps you make an informed decision and maximize your solar savings.

Community solar in Florida

If installing solar panels is not financially feasible or your home is incompatible, consider community solar as an alternative way to benefit from renewable power. Community solar is a subscription-style service to help you save on your monthly energy bill and support local solar farm development. These projects increase solar access to renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs. Community solar projects are not available in all areas of Florida but are increasing in popularity nationwide. Contact your utility company to determine available projects near you.

The cost of solar in Florida is becoming more affordable and accessible, thanks to financial incentives and financing options. With these advantages, you can embrace long-term savings while positively impacting the environment.

The following lists a few community solar projects to consider based on location or utility company.

Are solar panels worth it?

Yes. By installing solar panels in Florida, you can embrace long-term savings while positively impacting the environment. As solar technology advances and costs continue to decrease, the return on investment for solar panels in the Sunshine State is more compelling than ever. Thanks to Florida solar incentives and financing options, the cost of solar in Florida is becoming more affordable and accessible. Consider your energy usage, electric costs, and potential solar savings to determine if installing solar panels is right for you.