Solar Panel Cost in Florida (2026 Estimate)

BySunMetricLab Editorial Team·Independent solar research and calculators

Data last updated September 10, 2026 · ranks #9 of 50 states for modeled payback

Florida averages about 5.3 peak sun hours a day (about average for the US) with an approximate residential electricity rate near 15¢/kWh, in the mid-range nationally. In the model used here, an 8 kW system in Florida produces roughly 12,380 kWh a year and trims about $1,900 off annual electricity costs, paying back its net cost in about 8.1 years. Strong sun, high electricity prices, or both put Florida among the faster paybacks in this comparison, and solar tends to make financial sense here for homeowners with suitable roofs.

Want the full picture beyond the numbers? Read the guide Going Solar in Florida: Big Sun, Weak Exports, Hurricane Rules.

Estimated system cost and payback in Florida

Costs assume roughly $2.70/watt installed for Florida; the net column applies a 30% federal credit for comparison with quotes that include it. Savings and payback use the state's sun hours and rate above.

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for systems paid for after December 31, 2025 under the 2025 federal budget law. Net-after-credit figures apply only if you still qualify (for example a 2025 expenditure, or a leased system where the installer passes a credit through). Confirm with a tax professional.

What moves the numbers in Florida

Two inputs drive most of the difference between states: how much sun a system sees and what each offset kilowatt-hour is worth. Florida's 5.3 sun hours set production, and its roughly 15¢/kWh rate sets what that production saves. The bigger unknowns are your roof, shading, and how your utility compensates exported power, since a lower export rate can pull real savings below the retail-rate figure above.

Net metering and export credits in Florida

Florida's Public Service Commission rule requires investor-owned utilities to credit rooftop exports at the full retail rate, netted monthly, with any surplus rolled forward and paid out once a year at the utility's avoided-cost rate. Systems of 10 kilowatts or less are placed in the simplest tier, with no application fee or extra insurance, while larger residential systems face added requirements. A 2022 bill that would have phased retail net metering down was vetoed, and the rule remained intact as of 2026.

Municipal utilities and cooperatives are not bound by the Commission rule and set their own policies, which range from retail net metering to net billing at the utility's fuel cost. JEA in Jacksonville, for example, moved to crediting exports well below retail several years ago, while some co-ops and city utilities still net at retail. If you are outside FPL, Duke or TECO territory, the utility's own solar page is the place to start.

Florida solar incentives beyond the federal credit

Solar energy systems are exempt from Florida sales tax, and residential renewable energy devices are exempt from property tax assessment, so a rooftop array adds nothing to your tax bill despite raising your home's value. Florida has no state income tax, which means no state tax credit exists, and there is no statewide rebate.

Financing tools fill some of the gap: the Solar and Energy Loan Fund operates in a number of counties, PACE financing is available in many jurisdictions, and state law prevents homeowner associations from prohibiting solar installations. FPL's SolarTogether program is a community solar subscription rather than a rooftop incentive, so do not confuse the two when a salesperson mentions it.

Utilities and rate plans in Florida

Florida Power and Light serves more customers than any other utility in the country, covering the east coast, Southwest Florida and, after absorbing Gulf Power, the western Panhandle; Duke Energy Florida serves the Tampa Bay suburbs and central Florida, and TECO serves Tampa itself. Municipal systems such as JEA, OUC in Orlando, Lakeland Electric and Gainesville Regional Utilities, along with cooperatives like Withlacoochee, Clay Electric and LCEC, cover the rest. FPL's rates are comparatively low with a two-tier structure that prices the first thousand kilowatt-hours cheaper, plus a minimum monthly bill; Duke's rates run higher. Heavy summer air conditioning means most homes consume a large share of their solar output on site, but the low retail price keeps payback periods moderate rather than short.