Make the best decision about investing in solar power in Florida
Florida is known as the Sunshine State because there are about 237 sunny days yearly. But that's not the only benefit of Florida as a location for solar panel installation—additional incentives might lower the initial outlay. According to the 2021 report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, this helped Florida rank third among all states for solar energy capacity.
Solar energy now generates less than 5% of the state's electric utilities.But that could change as utility companies increase their clean energy investments and the cost of installing solar panels falls.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Florida is $13,100 or about $2.62 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
The average payback period for solar panels in Florida is around 11 years years. Your payback period will depend on the cost of your system and the amount of power it generates. The more energy your system generates the faster it will pay for itself.
Everyone has their own method for determining if solar is “worth it”. If your objective is to leverage solar to eliminate or reduce your electric bill you have different expectations of someone who is more interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
To help you determine the best option for you you can use this solar calculator that will weigh different solar options and other renewable energy options.
Before you rush into buying or leasing a solar panel system it's important to consider your reason for going solar. Setting expectations can help you decide if solar is the right choice for you.
Solar has roughly 20 times less carbon output than coal-powered energy sources. After three years of use,
solar systems are completely carbon neutral and remain so for the duration of their lifespan.
In short, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint going solar is a great option.
When you have your own solar system you are putting energy back into the grid. Your utility rewards you by
crediting back the value of the energy you put into the grid. For example, if your system generates 2,500
kWh in a month and you use 2,500 kWh in that month you would have a $0 electric bill.
In most cases, if your system generates more energy than you use the credits will roll over to the next month.
With the right solar system, you could potentially have a self-sufficient power system for your home. This
means you don’t have to rely on the grid for energy. If the grid has an outage you could still power your
home with your solar system.
Those who are trying to become energy independent often pair their solar system with a battery. This allows you to store electricity and use it when you need it.
In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.
This table shows the available incentives in Florida. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.
Here are some additional Florida specific websites to search incentives and other resources:
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC): Not only does the FSEC offer energy training, testing, and data analysis. It also offers resources for financing options and where to find state incentives.
Florida Power and Light (FPL): FPL is the largest power utility company in Florida. They occasionally provide rebates to their consumers. Check their website for updates.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Per their website, “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food.” Check out their site to find grants, information, programs, and more.
Like every other state, new solar panel systems in Florida are eligible to receive the federal solar tax credit of 26%. This credit is applied on your annual income tax credit.
There are many options when it comes time to purchase our solar panels. You can finance, lease, or pay the entire cost upfront. The right choice will depend on your financial situation and the costs of your system and other factors. Our solar calculator will help you weigh your options. You can find more information on leasing vs buying solar panels here.
Florida is known for its sunny climate, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. As a result, many top solar panel manufacturers have a presence in the state. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks Florida as the third-highest state for solar adoption in the US.
Some of the most popular solar panel brands in Florida include SunPower, Tesla, LG, Panasonic, REC, Trina Solar, Mission Solar, Canadian Solar, Qcells, and JA Solar. These companies offer a range of panels with varying levels of efficiency and warranties, allowing residents to find the right option for their needs. Since Florida is subject to unpredictable weather, many residents may prioritize panel manufacturers with long warranties to protect their investment.
