How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florida? [2023]

From Gas to Green

Every year, more Florida homeowners take advantage of the many benefits of solar power. Switching to solar lets homeowners optimize their monthly energy bill while reducing carbon emissions. Best of all, installing solar panels in Florida is generally cheaper than in other states. But how much do solar panels cost in Florida?

In this guide, we’re going to look at the pricing for solar panels in Florida—as well as how you can maximize your savings when going solar. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

The cost of installing solar panels in Florida depends on several factors.
The average cost of installing a standard 6 kW solar panel system in Florida is roughly $30,000.
Any investment in solar power can be reduced significantly through various tax credits and incentives.

The Cost of Solar Panels in Florida

The cost of solar panels in Florida can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the size and quality of the system. For a standard 6 kW system—the average size for most homes—installation may cost as much as $30,000. For a larger system, that price could increase to $60,000 or more.

However, Florida homeowners can claim a variety of tax incentives to make switching to solar more affordable. The most important of these is the federal solar tax credit. Using this tax benefit, homeowners can claim a percentage of their solar costs as a credit to offset their annual income taxes. This will greatly reduce the investment required to opt for solar power. In 2023, the federal solar tax credit could lower the cost of a 6 kW solar panel system from $30,000 to just $20,000.

What Affects the Cost of Solar Panels in Florida?

System size: The cost of installing solar panels will vary based on the size of the system you need. The larger the system, the more expensive it will be.
Solar panel type: Different types of solar panels have different prices. The type of solar panel you choose can significantly affect the overall cost of the system.
Roof type: The type of roof on which the solar panels are installed can affect the installation cost as well. For example, installing panels on a flat roof may be less expensive than on a roof with a steep pitch.
Location: The cost of solar panels can vary depending on where you live in Florida. Factors such as local regulations, permit fees, and the availability of solar incentives can all affect the cost of installation. For example, installing solar panels in Orlando may be more affordable than in Jacksonville.
Warranty policy: The cost of solar panels can also be impacted by the type of warranty and maintenance plan you choose. Some warranties come with higher upfront costs but offer more comprehensive coverage, while others have lower upfront costs but require more out-of-pocket expenses for maintenance and repairs.
Solar incentives: Florida offers various solar incentives, such as tax exemptions and rebates, that can reduce the cost of installing solar panels.
Payment method: Most solar companies give you the choice of purchasing your solar panel system upfront or financing it through a loan. Opting for a loan may make switching to solar more practical in the short term, but interest rates will likely increase the total cost in the long run.
Energy usage: The amount of energy your home or business consumes can affect the size of the solar panel system needed to meet your needs. If you have high energy usage, you may need a larger system, which can increase the cost of installation. Using less energy will reduce these costs in addition to helping you save more through Florida’s net metering program.

Florida Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Federal solar tax credit: The federal solar tax credit lets you claim a percentage of the total cost of installing solar equipment in your home. You can then use this credit to reduce your federal income taxes. In 2023, the rate for the federal solar tax credit is 30% of solar installation costs.
Florida property tax exemption: Under Florida state law, all eligible renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, are exempt from property taxes.
Florida sales tax exemption: All solar energy systems purchased and installed in Florida are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax.
Net metering: Under Florida’s net metering program, you can “sell” any unused power you generate to your utility provider for credits. You can then use these credits to reduce your energy bill.
Local solar incentives: Many local utility commissions provide additional incentives for installing solar panels in Florida homes. For example, the Orlando Utilities Commission offers discounts and rebates for homeowners who install solar panels in the Orlando area.
Solar provider incentives: Almost every company that installs solar panels in Florida will offer its own incentive program. For example, at Current Home, new customers can finance a solar system with $0 down and 12 months of free energy guaranteed. This allows homeowners to go solar with no upfront investment.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Florida?

Yes! Installing solar panels in Florida is a worthwhile investment for virtually any homeowner. In most cases, a solar panel system will pay for itself in 6 to 12 years. After that, it’s nothing but savings. And since solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years (and many last much longer), there’s plenty of time to reap the return on your initial investment.

Beyond this, solar panel systems require very little maintenance to operate at maximum efficiency long-term. For the most part, you can take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to your solar system. In fact, most solar panels are even able to withstand hurricanes without needing repairs.

Finally, solar panel installation can increase the value of your property, as more and more homebuyers are looking for energy-efficient and sustainable homes. This means that investing in solar panels can not only save you money on energy bills, but it can also increase the resale value of your property.

Go Solar With Current Home

Installing solar panels in Florida can be a smart investment, providing long-term energy savings, minimal maintenance costs, and increased property value. Are you ready to take advantage of the benefits of solar power? If so, we can help make the transition as easy and affordable as possible. We can even offer you one full year of solar power 100% free.

Schedule your free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the average cost for solar panels in Florida?

The cost of installing solar panels in Florida varies based on several factors. For a standard 6 kW solar power system, the price generally hovers around $30,000. However, this investment can be reduced considerably by claiming the federal solar tax credit and other solar incentives available for Florida homeowners.

Are solar panels free in Florida?

Unfortunately, no. There is currently no program offering free solar panels in Florida. However, by working with Current Home, you can sign up for a financing plan with $0 down and one full year of free solar energy. That way, you can start saving on utility bills right away.

How long do solar panels last?

Most solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years. In some cases, this may increase to 35 or even 40 years. Note that these time spans do not refer to when a solar panel stops working entirely. Rather, this simply means the point at which your solar panel will cease to operate at maximum efficiency and begin to degrade over time.

What is the payback period for solar panels in Florida?

On average, a solar panel system will pay for itself after 6 to 12 years of use.

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