Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Florida

Your complete resource for solar energy. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation in Florida.

$2.71
Cost per Watt (2025)
9-11 years
Average Payback Period
237
Sunny Days Per Year
30%
Federal Tax Credit (expires Dec 31, 2025)

Why Florida is Perfect for Solar Energy

Year-Round Sunshine

Florida enjoys 237 sunny days per year with excellent solar radiation levels, making it one of the top states for solar energy production. The Sunshine State lives up to its name with consistent year-round solar potential.

Rising Electricity Rates

With average rates of $0.11-$0.16/kWh from major utilities (FPL, Duke Energy, TECO), solar provides significant savings. Florida’s average electric bill of $157/month is higher than the national average, making solar increasingly attractive.

Exceptional Tax Benefits

Florida offers some of the best solar incentives in the nation: 30% federal tax credit (expires Dec 31, 2025), 100% property tax exemption, 100% sales tax exemption, and full retail-rate net metering through major utilities.

Strong Legal Protection

Florida Statute § 163.04 (Solar Rights Act) protects homeowners’ rights to install solar systems. HOAs and condo associations cannot prohibit solar panel installations on your property.

Quick Solar Facts

Average System Size: 7-8 kW
Annual Generation: 10,500-12,000 kWh
Federal Tax Credit: 30% (expires Dec 31, 2025)
Typical Payback: 9-11 years
System Lifespan: 25-30 years

Explore Solar Topics

Laws & Regulations

Federal ITC, Florida Solar Rights Act (§ 163.04), net metering policies, property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, HOA protections, and utility interconnection requirements.

Residential Solar

Complete guide for homeowners and renters covering system sizing for Florida’s climate, panel selection for hurricane zones, inverter options, net metering benefits, and battery backup for storm protection.

Costs & Savings

2025 pricing breakdown, cost per watt analysis, savings calculations by utility provider (FPL, Duke Energy, TECO, JEA), payback period estimations, and long-term ROI with Florida’s incentives.

Financing Options

Solar loans, lease agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), PACE financing availability, and maximizing federal tax credits combined with Florida’s property and sales tax exemptions.

Installation Guide

Choosing licensed installers, understanding permits and inspections, HOA compliance under Florida law, hurricane-rated mounting requirements, utility interconnection process, and obtaining net metering approval.

Solar 101

Fundamentals of photovoltaic technology, understanding panel durability for Florida weather, inverter types and hurricane protection, system monitoring, maintenance in humid climates, and storm preparation.

Community Solar

Utility community solar programs from FPL and Duke Energy, shared solar options for renters and condo residents, municipal solar programs, and subscription-based solar gardens.

Solar Calculator

Estimate your solar savings and system requirements.

Quick Solar Savings Calculator

Important 2026 Updates

Federal ITC Expiration Deadline

The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expires December 31, 2025. Your system must be installed and operational by this date to qualify for the full 30% credit. Don’t miss this final opportunity to maximize savings.

Learn about federal incentives →

Net Metering Protection

Florida maintains full retail-rate net metering through major utilities (FPL, Duke Energy, TECO). Systems up to 115% of annual consumption receive 1:1 credit for excess generation. This favorable policy makes Florida one of the best states for solar ROI.

Understand Florida net metering →

Florida Solar Laws & Regulations

Federal Incentives

30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available through December 31, 2025. Applies to full system cost including equipment, installation, and battery storage. System must be operational by year-end to qualify for full 30% credit.

Learn More →

Solar Rights Act

Florida Statute § 163.04 prohibits HOAs, condo associations, and deed restrictions from banning solar installations. Associations cannot deny solar panel requests based on aesthetics or other arbitrary reasons.

Learn More →

Property & Sales Tax Exemptions

Florida offers 100% property tax exemption (solar won’t increase your home’s assessed value) and 100% sales tax exemption (saving 6%+ on equipment costs). Both exemptions remain in effect through 2037.

Learn More →