Solar Panel Cost in Florida
2026 estimates — federal ITC expired 12/31/2025
State incentives may still apply — see table below
7 kW system, standard monocrystalline panels. Payback: ~7–10 years. Updated June 2026.
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Florida Solar Incentives — 2026
| Incentive | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal Residential ITC (Section 25D) | Expired 12/31/2025 |
| Systems installed before 1/1/2026 | 30% ITC still claimable |
| Florida state/utility incentives | Federal 30% ITC + Net Metering (full retail credit, one of the best in US) + Property and sales tax exemptions on solar |
| Est. payback period (Florida) | ~7–10 years |
Federal residential ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 (One Big Beautiful Bill). Solar leases/PPAs: commercial credit continues through 2027. State incentives subject to change — consult a tax professional.
Solar System Size vs. Estimated Savings — Florida
Based on ~4.8 peak sun hours/day and estimated $15¢/kWh electricity rate in Florida.
| System Size | Gross Cost | Annual kWh | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW (small home) | $37,000 | 8,760 | $1,336/yr |
| 7 kW (average home)Most common | $51,800 | 12,264 | $1,870/yr |
| 10 kW (large home) | $74,000 | 17,520 | $2,672/yr |
| 12 kW (very large) | $88,800 | 21,024 | $3,206/yr |
Going Solar in Florida — Key Insights
1. Florida Solar Market Overview
Florida has full retail net metering — one of the most favorable policies in the country. Every kWh you send to the grid gets credited at the same rate you pay, maximizing system payback. Florida also exempts solar systems from property taxes and sales taxes. The state's flat terrain, warm climate, and abundant sun make it ideal for solar.
2. Top Tip for Florida Solar Buyers
Florida's full retail net metering is a major financial advantage — size your system to cover 90–100% of annual usage to maximize credits. Florida HOA solar rights law protects your right to install solar despite HOA restrictions. FPL's SolarTogether program is an alternative if rooftop solar isn't feasible.
3. System Size Guide for Florida
Average Florida home uses ~1,000–1,200 kWh/month (higher in hot climates with AC). A 6–8 kW system typically covers most usage. Always get a system sized to 90–110% of your actual annual consumption — oversizing costs more without proportional benefit under most net metering policies.
FAQs — Solar Panels in Florida
Solar panels in Florida cost $40,700 on average for a 7 kW system before incentives. After the 30% ITC, net cost is ~$28,490. Florida's full retail net metering and zero property/sales taxes on solar make it one of the best states for solar ROI. Payback period: 7–10 years. The state's new-home solar construction is also booming.
Solar is financially positive for most Florida homeowners, though the calculus changed in 2026 after the federal residential ITC expired on December 31, 2025. Florida's incentives: Federal 30% ITC + Net Metering (full retail credit, one of the best in US) + Property and sales tax exemptions on solar. Estimated payback without federal ITC: 7–10 years. With a 25-year panel lifespan and rising electricity rates, solar still provides positive lifetime returns in most states.
Most Florida homes need a 5–10 kW system. A 7 kW system produces approximately 12,264 kWh/year in Florida. Divide your annual kWh usage by that figure to estimate the right size. Your installer will perform a site assessment to optimize for your specific roof and usage patterns.
Solar financing options in Florida in 2026: (1) Cash purchase — best long-term ROI; no federal ITC (expired 12/31/2025) but state incentives apply; typically $100–$250/month in energy savings. (2) Solar loan — own the system; pay from energy savings; rates 5–10% APR via GreenSky, Mosaic, or your installer. (3) Solar lease/PPA — $0 down; the solar company may still qualify for a commercial tax credit through 2027 and passes savings to you via rates below your utility bill — more competitive now that the homeowner cash ITC is gone. (4) HELOC — often lowest interest rate (6–8% APR). Avoid loans with "dealer fees" above 2% — these inflate the effective loan amount.
The ITC expiry changed the comparison. Previously, buying solar gave you a $12,210 federal credit (30% of cost) that leasing didn't — making buying clearly superior. In 2026, that credit is gone for new purchases, but solar companies (lease/PPA providers) can still claim a commercial credit through 2027 and may pass savings to you via lower lease rates. If your state has strong incentives (Florida's state credit further benefits purchase), buying/financing still typically produces better 25-year returns. Leasing makes sense for zero upfront cost with still-lower-than-utility rates.
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Florida Solar Summary
- →Avg cost: $40,700 (7 kW)
- →Federal ITC: Expired 12/31/2025
- →Range: $34,595 – $48,026
- →Est. payback: 7–10 years
- →Incentives: Federal 30% ITC + Net Metering (full retail credit, one of the best in US) + Property and sales tax exemptions on solar