1. Environment

Exploring Florida Solar Incentives and Panel Costs in 2024

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Save big with solar in Florida, where the combination of state incentives and abundant sunshine make it a prime location for solar energy. Solar panels in Florida cost an average of $11,700 for a standard 6kW system or between $5,850 and $26,500 for a range of sizes after you incorporate tax incentives. Florida is one of the best places for solar due to its above-average levels of sunshine, state incentives, and rapid payback period. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the cost of Florida solar panels when you’re about to make the switch.

Key Takeaways

  • Solar systems in Florida cost an average of $11,700 after incentives.
  • Homeowners pay between $1.95 and $2.65 per watt for the cost of Florida solar.
  • Florida offers sales and property tax exemptions as well as net metering programs.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florida?

Florida solar panels cost an average of $2.65 per watt before incentives, or about $1.95 per watt after incorporating the savings. In addition to the federal solar panel tax credit in Florida of 30%, Florida’s access to state tax exemptions, net metering programs, and local rebates can lower the price even further. We’ve researched the best solar panels to help you get started with your solar journey.

Florida solar prices will vary across the state but generally stay in line with the average. For example, installing solar panels in Miami will cost about $2.55 per watt and Orlando solar will cost about $2.48 per watt, both before calculating incentives.

Average Cost of Solar Panels

Amount

Average Cost

$11,700

Lowest Cost

$5,850

Highest Cost

$26,500

Solar Panel Costs in Florida by Size

Working with a trusted solar company in Florida is the only way to determine the best system size to both keep the lights on and save money throughout the year. Unshaded exposure to the sun, roof size, how much electricity your home needs, and your preferred type of solar panel all determine the size and price of a Florida solar system.

Most Florida homes require a 5kW or 6kW system, just below the national average. And remember, since each watt costs about $2.65 before incentives and $1.95 per watt after, each kW costs about $2,650 and $1,950 respectively.

System Size

Average Cost

Cost After Solar Tax Credit

3 kW

$7,950

$5,850

4 kW

$10,600

$7,800

5 kW

$13,250

$9,750

6 kW

$15,900

$11,700

7 kW

$18,500

$13,650

8 kW

$21,200

$15,600

9 kW

$23,850

$17,550

10 kW

$26,500

$19,500

Solar Panel Costs Across Florida Cities

Where you live in the Sunshine State will have a bit of a sway on the price of Florida solar panels overall. For example, living in Sarasota means having an impressive 307 days of sunshine whereas Jacksonville offers closer to 259. Such a long Peninsula in a unique part of the country means that weather patterns will shift from county to county.

Residents will also pay more on average for the cost of Florida solar panels when they live in cities with a high cost of living. Labor, material shipping prices, and large homes in big cities can drive the price up. On the other hand, some cities, such as Orlando, have a lower cost of living than the state’s average, so it’s best to look at the cities individually to know what to expect.

Cities

Average Cost (6kW System)

Cost After Solar Tax Credit

Sarasota

$11,300

$7,900

Orlando

$10,100

$7,100

Tampa

$9,600

$6,800

Jacksonville

$9,600

$6,700

Clearwater

$9,700

$6,800

Palm Beach

$12,000

$8,300

Florida Solar Panel Cost Breakdown: What Affects the Cost of Solar Panels?

The size of your system, types of panels, the shape of your roof, and labor all contribute to the cost of a Florida solar system. You can also trim your overall solar cost by taking advantage of federal and state of Florida solar incentives.

Solar System Size

Florida has an interesting relationship with energy use. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Florida uses less energy per capita than nearly all other states but far more energy overall than other states. Residents pay an average of $278 a month for electricity, more than 50% higher than the rest of the country.

High energy use, however, balances out with ample sunshine and plenty of space to mount solar panels. Because of this, the average solar system size in Florida is about 6kW. Since this average-size system takes the place of higher-than-average electricity consumption, Florida residents can pay off their system in less than 10 years. Residents can also consider highly efficient appliances that can lower AC use, such as a heat pump or Energy Star-rated products.

Panel Type

When homeowners contact a solar installer, they will often have the option to choose from three categories of types of solar panels. In general, the more you invest upfront, the longer your solar panels will last and the more efficient they will perform. Here are some stats and solar panel prices for each variety.

Panel Type

Cost Per Watt

Longevity

Efficiency

Monocrystalline

$1.25

40 years

20%

Polycrystalline

$0.85

35 years

16%

Thin-film

$0.65

20 years

14%

Solar Incentives

Florida state solar incentives can make a large dent in your bill. In addition to the 30% federal solar tax credit, Florida offers net metering, property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, and a series of local programs to encourage residents from their cities.

Labor Costs

Labor costs will account for between $1,500 and $6,600 on average, or about 25% of the total cost of solar panels in Florida. Installing solar panels is labor-intensive, particularly if you have a steep roof or hard-to-access area. And while there are some DIY solar kits on the market, keep in mind that not all incentives or warranties apply to DIY installation.

Installation Company

Your installation company will have a large effect on the cost of Florida solar panels, but you will also have your pick of top companies in the state. Some brands such as SunPower, for example, make and install signature panels, meaning that you may pay more upfront. Others will offer a range of solar panel types of brands for more price variety.

Permits

Nearly all areas in Florida require a permit to install solar panels. Some cities may require a roofing permit as well, so it’s best to check your local building codes and speak with a contractor before starting. The cost of solar permits can range between $50 and $500 depending on the size and price of the project.

Roof

With the wide variety of architecture in Florida, the slope and size of your roof will determine the price of your solar panels as well. A steep roof is harder to access and secure panels on, while a flat roof allows the panels to pick up ample sunshine. Your solar contractor may charge more for difficult roof designs as well as for specialized mounting equipment.

Solar Panel Incentives in Florida

Every Florida resident can take advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which allows a 30% exemption of the cost of your system for the year you have it installed. The incentive is set to stay in place until 2032, at which point the percentage will drop to 26% and fall subsequently after that. Solar incentives in Florida can fall even further with the following programs.

State Tax Exemption

The Florida Department of Revenue exempts sales tax on all equipment and use of solar systems in the state. The incentive lowers the cost of solar in Florida by an additional 6%.

Property Tax Exemption

Residential buildings in Florida are 100% exempt from paying property tax on the raised value of a home after installing photovoltaic systems. The exemption also applies to wind and geothermal systems. Keep in mind that the exemption is currently set to expire in 2037.

Net Metering

While the net metering program in Florida has seen some pushback recently, it remains in place as of early 2024. Florida’s net metering program allows residential customers with systems smaller than 2 MW to sell back excess power to their utility company and receive a credit at the standard rate. The credit either applies to the homeowner’s following utility bill or is paid out in cash at the end of 12 months.

Local Programs

Several local communities in Florida offer rather generous grants and rebates for residents and businesses. These include grants of up to $2,500 in Dunedin, low-interest loans in the Florida Keys, and rebates up to $1,500 in Boynton Beach.

How to Pay for Solar Panels in Florida

States regulate which programs homeowners can use to pay for solar programs. Florida allows nearly all traditional programs other than PPAs, a specialized third-party leasing program. Here are your Florida solar payment options.

  • Lease: Leasing your Florida solar system typically requires no money down and minimal maintenance costs. That being said, you do not own the solar system and will make monthly payments for the extent of the lease.
  • Loan: Many solar installers offer low-interest loans for qualified homeowners to pay off their solar systems over time. Some local districts offer specialized loan programs as well.
  • Full-purchase: Homeowners also have the choice of paying for the entirety of their installation in cash, saving on interest in the long run.
  • HELOC: If you already have years of equity on your home, HELOC loans allow homeowners to take out loans against their mortgage for large programs.
  • Cash Out Refinance: Similarly, homeowners typically with at least 20% of equity on their homes can apply to refinance their mortgage for a cash-out sum.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Florida?

When we gather all of the data together, there’s no doubt that solar panels are worth it in Florida. With electricity typically costing an average of $278 a month in the Sunshine State, replacing these charges with solar-generated energy makes a large impact. On a larger scale, the EIA notes that Florida uses more electricity overall than all but three states in the country. Replacing this consumption with solar will have a direct effect on the state’s environmental impact.

What Are the Top Solar Installers in Florida?

Florida residents can choose between nationally recognized brands and local installers with decades of experience. Each company will cover a range of solar panel brands, configurations, and payment options, so it’s important to compare your options before jumping in.

Save big with solar by exploring solar panel incentives in Florida and understanding the costs involved. With the right information and support, you can make a significant positive impact on both your finances and the environment.