Florida has ample solar potential and ranks third nationally for solar installations. The Sunshine State ranked first behind California for new solar panel installations for the first half of 2022. Solar energy is growing in popularity, with enough energy to power more than 1.1 million Florida homes.
The average Florida electric bill is higher than the national average. Using data from CNET corporate partner SaveOnEnergy and the Energy Information Administration, we know that Floridians pay $161.14 a month in energy bills. Purchasing a solar panel to meet your energy needs can save you up to $1,933.68 per year. However, energy prices continue to rise year over year, with the average Florida electricity price increasing 19.2 percent from August 2021 to August 2022. Solar power customers can continue to save money with solar energy .
Over the past two decades, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly, making the switch to solar more affordable. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the cost of solar systems has fallen by 69% since 2000. If you live in Florida and want to save on energy bills by reducing your home's carbon footprint, solar energy can be a good option.
Solar panel cost in Florida
Several factors determine the cost of a solar installation, including the number of panels, add-ons such as solar panels, and installation costs. The average solar panel size in Florida is 10.1 kilowatts, higher than the national average. This explains why Florida's average solar system cost is higher than the national average. However, the price may depend on the manufacturer, panel type and other factors.
According to LBNL, the average size and cost of solar arrays in Florida is increasing compared to the national average.
Florida from the rest of the US
| | Plant size (kW) | price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 10.1 | $3.69 | $37,281 |
| National | 8.4 | $3.59 | $30,205 |
Solar panels are a big investment , but there are financing options that can make purchasing easier. Some residents buy their system directly, others finance it permanently with a solar loan. Solar leasing is also available in Florida, although the state does not allow power purchase agreements. It is important to note that if you rent your system, you will not be entitled to solar tax credits.
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Incentives and discounts for solar panels in Florida
When considering the cost of a solar installation in Florida, one should consider solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates , which can bring prices down significantly. While Florida doesn't have a renewable energy standard or goal like other states, there are incentives you can qualify for if you buy a solar home system.
The Home Clean Energy Credit (formerly known as the Investment Tax Credit) is a federal solar incentive that pays residents 30% of the cost of a solar panel system when they file their taxes. Because this is a state tax credit, it applies to all states, including Florida. The Home Clean Energy Credit was recently increased from 26% to 30% and will be extended in August 2022 when the Inflation Assistance Act goes into effect.
The Home Clean Energy Credit can save Floridas up to $9,743 on the average solar system, although there's no limit to how much you can claim with this tax credit. You can apply for a federal tax credit by completing IRS Form 5695 (PDF). The IRS provides instructions for completing the form. Once the IRS reviews and approves your application, you will receive a savings credit when you file your annual federal income tax return.
In addition to the federal tax credits, there are several solar incentives in Florida. Some utility companies offer incentives for solar installations, so check with your electric utility for information on specific incentives for your area. The full list can be found at the State Renewable Energy and Efficiency Database. Some examples of solar incentives in Florida.
| program | the statement |
|---|---|
| net measurement programs | Net metering allows the additional solar energy generated by the modules to be fed into the grid in exchange for utility bills. |
| use of property tax | Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of the home and therefore property taxes. Florida exempts residents from paying increased property taxes after installing solar panels. |
| Sales Use and Tax Use | Solar power systems purchased in Florida are sales and tax free, saving you an additional 6% on solar panel purchases. |
Solar panel company in Florida
ADT Sun
ADT Solar became the nation's largest solar installer after acquiring Sunpro Solar in 2021. It operates in Florida, including Destin, Gainesville, Jacksonville and Miami. This supplier offers several solar and backup battery options including Enphase and Tesla products. ADT Solar does not offer solar leasing. So if you choose this company, you must buy your system.
ADT Solar offers a 25-year warranty covering the operation, manufacture and power generation of its products. It also comes with a warranty that matches the installation price. ADT Solar has previously selected modules from LGPA, which will exit the solar market in 2022. The company has since confirmed that it will further extend the 25-year manufacturer's and labor warranty.
moose sun
Momentum Solar has less coverage than other providers on this list, but the company has established itself as the top choice in the 11 states in which it operates. In Florida, Momentum Solar offers solar and battery storage systems. Customers can buy or lease solar systems from this provider.
Momentum Solar offers a 25-year warranty on solar power systems for equipment and systems. With Momentum Solar, you get real-time system monitoring at no additional cost through a mobile app. This app provides important updates, details and dates after installation.
palm sun
Palmetto Solar is one of the top 10 solar suppliers in the United States, offering solar home systems that you can either buy outright or lease. Most Palmetto customers choose to purchase solar panels because owning a system offers the greatest savings over time.
Palmetto offers a variety of high-quality solar devices and a subscription called Palmetto Protect. This service monitors the amount of electricity being produced by the solar system and provides support if the solar panels are underperforming, damaged or failing. Palmetto Solar offers a 12-year product guarantee and a 25-year performance guarantee, and Palmetto solar panels have an efficiency of over 19.8%.
solar energy solar energy
SunPower Solar tops CNET's list of top solar companies for many reasons, including amazing warranties and solar panels. SunPower's Equinox solar panels have an efficiency of up to 22.8%, which is better than the competition. SunPower offers a range of solar systems including Maxeon Solar panels, Enphase microinverters and mounting accessories.
SunPower's warranties are also different from the market. This supplier guarantees 92% capacity for 25 years. SunPower also offers solar panel installation under the SunVault brand. These batteries are also guaranteed to hold 70% of their charge for 10 years. This solar company operates in all 50 states, allowing Florida residents to explore SunPower's solar options.
Sunny
Sunrun is the largest US solar company with a 13% share of the residential solar market, according to Wood Mackenzie. This company focuses on solar leasing, which can offer cheaper rates for using solar energy. It is important to note that when you take out a solar lease, you do not own your solar system. Typically, you save less money over time and don't qualify for tax credits or solar incentives.
Individuals who take out a solar rental contract with Sunrun receive full maintenance and monitoring. Anyone who buys solar modules directly from Sunrun is relying on manufacturer guarantees, which can vary in scope and quality. Sunrun offers a 10-year quality guarantee to cover roof damage and installation issues.
Installation factors to consider
Before investing in solar panels, there are several factors that should influence whether solar energy is right for you. Here are some configuration issues to consider in advance.
- How old and in what condition is your roof? If your roof is old or weak, you should repair or replace it before installing solar panels. In addition, the size, shape, and pitch of your roof can affect the amount of electricity generated by your solar array. The Department of Energy says solar panels are most effective on south-facing roofs with pitches between 15 and 40 degrees.
- Are there any neighborhood or HOA rules where you live? Some HOAs or neighborhood associations may have permitting processes, regulations, or design requirements for solar panels. Be sure to check local laws before posting signs on your property.
- Can you confirm the solar system? Most home insurance policies cover solar panels on the roof. After installation, contact your home insurance agency to update your policy to include coverage for your solar panels.
- Is Your Home Getting Enough Sunlight? Solar panels generate more electricity when exposed to direct sunlight (although they can generate electricity when exposed to indirect sunlight). A solar panel is most effective when it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Florida has more sunny days than the national average, and solar panel systems generally work well for Floridans. However, if your home is shaded during the day, your solar panels will not produce as much energy as they would when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Do you rent your house? If you rent your home or live in an apartment, condo, or in the city, you may not install solar panels. Check with your landlord or property manager to see if rooftop solar is an option. If you're blocked but still want to make the move to solar, community solar programs offer an alternative. Community Solar (sometimes called Shared Solar) allows you to subscribe to power from solar panels located elsewhere. You will then receive a credit on your energy bill. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Florida leads the nation in community solar capacity, accounting for more than 30% of US energy generated by all solar projects.
Frequently asked questions about Florida Solar
Are solar panels good for the environment?
Solar energy is a renewable source and is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than fossil fuels such as coal or gas. Although the production of solar panels has environmental impacts on the environment, fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide) that are directly linked to global warming, air pollution and climate change. Scientists have warned that a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to prevent worsening climate change. Solar energy is more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels because the sun is constantly producing energy and converting solar energy into electricity produces no greenhouse gases.
Are Florida Solar Panels Worth the Investment?
Yes indeed. Solar panels can be a good investment in Florida since the state enjoys more days of sunshine, which means solar power systems can generate more electricity than other states. Additionally, Florida tends to have higher residential electricity rates, making the switch to solar a good investment.
How do I find a solar installer in Florida?
Solar installers are on the rise in Florida. Before signing a contract with a solar company, research and evaluate your options, including reading customer reviews. It's a good idea to get a few quotes from installers in your area. You can check out CNET's picks for the best solar companies.
