Summary of Florida solar incentives 2020
Florida is the sunshine state, so it makes sense that it's the perfect place for homeowners to get solar panels and save money. Your savings will last at least 25 years thanks to solar panel warranties that guarantee production long into the future.
Thanks to the federal solar tax credit, buying solar is cheaper than it's ever been here. There are even some battery backup incentives popping up in parts of the state.
Read on to discover how much home solar incentives can save you in Florida!
On this page, you can:
-
Learn what solar incentives are available to Florida homeowners
-
See what Florida solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
-
Find out how much these incentives and/or Florida solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Florida
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 2022.
Net energy metering in Florida
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Florida’s Public Service Commission “PSC” set specific standards for net metering back in 2008. Assuming you’re a customer of an investor-owned utility (most of us), any net excess generation (NEG), i.e. any surplus energy, is carried forward as a credit at the full retail rate to your next bill for up to 12 months. At the end of a 12-month billing period, the utility pays you for any remaining NEG at an avoided-cost rate.
Not only is that just about the perfect net metering law, it looks like you won’t have any problems getting on the grid. Unlike most states, Florida has no set capacity limit, i.e., you won’t get blocked from hooking up to the grid for net metering just because some of your neighbors have already done so. Your small residential system also lacks any of the possible hurdles and red tape that we see in other states.
Florida solar rebates
Florida has no statewide solar rebate program, and the few patchwork fill-ins from individual utility companies have closed. The statewide rebate program you may have heard of, Florida’s Solar Energy Systems Incentive Program, is sadly no longer taking new applicants.
However, there are two cities, Orlando and Jacksonville, which offer rebates for solar battery backup. You can get up to $2,000 back in Orlando, and up to $4,000 in Jacksonville. Here are more details of each program:
Orlando Utilities Commission - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Jacksonville Electric Authority - Solar Battery Incentive Program
Sales and property tax incentives
Thank goodness Florida also realizes that homes with solar are worth more than homes without, and the state has been willing to exempt that value from additional property taxes. Your home’s value increases as much as $20 for every 1 dollar of electricity you save in a year. Not paying taxes on that value is a sweet deal.
Home solar panel systems are also free from state sales tax, saving you 6% or more, right off the bat.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Florida after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Change
Prices based on a 10.5kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.1-11.2 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$33,158-$40,527
Average size system installed in FL in 2020
10.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Florida
114 solar companies in Florida provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.96 284 Reviews
Latest review
Mary Steiner, 1 week ago
We were very impressed by the level of service that EHS has displayed throughout the course of our project. The install crew was professional, quick, and efficient. We highly recommend EHS for solar.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Mary Steiner, 1 week ago
We were very impressed by the level of service that EHS has displayed throughout the course of our project. The install crew was professional, quick, and efficient. We highly recommend EHS for solar.
4.88 355 Reviews
Latest review
Ivan Rivera, 2 weeks ago
Muy buena compañia y muy profesionales
Read more
Latest review
Ivan Rivera, 2 weeks ago
Muy buena compañia y muy profesionales
4.84 49 Reviews
Latest review
Jorge Omana, 3 days ago
Conoci Sunvena por medio de una referencia, consulte otras companias de solar pero la mas completa en todos los sentidos fue SUNVENA, excelente equipo de trabajo, el equipo tecnico esta muy bien preparado, siempre fueron honestos y me mantuvieron muy bien informado. Gracias a Marcos Campos por todo su gran trabajo. 100% recomendados
Read more
Latest review
Jorge Omana, 3 days ago
Conoci Sunvena por medio de una referencia, consulte otras companias de solar pero la mas completa en todos los sentidos fue SUNVENA, excelente equipo de trabajo, el equipo tecnico esta muy bien preparado, siempre fueron honestos y me mantuvieron muy bien informado. Gracias a Marcos Campos por todo su gran trabajo. 100% recomendados
4.83 148 Reviews
Latest review
Carlos, 1 week ago
Overall a great experience from start to finish. The representative was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects, from the energy production, how the equipment works, and the installation of the equipment as well had the most competitive pricing and incentives available. Hit all points and questions I had. Throughout the year I was shopping around for the solar panel system that would make the most sense to me and Solar Ray made the most sense. Furthermore, Solar Ray made installation smooth and in a timely manner and stayed in constant communication throughout the process. The installers were very nice and answered all the questions I had during the installation. Overall I’m very happy with the experience I had with Solar Ray and am recommending it to everyone I know, especially the Solar Ray Representative I was working with.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$12,500 ($2.50 per watt)
Latest review
Carlos, 1 week ago
Overall a great experience from start to finish. The representative was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects, from the energy production, how the equipment works, and the installation of the equipment as well had the most competitive pricing and incentives available. Hit all points and questions I had. Throughout the year I was shopping around for the solar panel system that would make the most sense to me and Solar Ray made the most sense. Furthermore, Solar Ray made installation smooth and in a timely manner and stayed in constant communication throughout the process. The installers were very nice and answered all the questions I had during the installation. Overall I’m very happy with the experience I had with Solar Ray and am recommending it to everyone I know, especially the Solar Ray Representative I was working with.
4.78 113 Reviews
Latest review
Joanna, over 1 month
I contacted IQ Power when my the production of system installed by Brevard Solar that went out of business fell down by 50%. IQ Power identified the problem and made the necessary repairs. I had a follow up issue that turned up to be connectivity, the company honored the warranty and got the system up and running.
Read more
Latest review
Joanna, over 1 month
I contacted IQ Power when my the production of system installed by Brevard Solar that went out of business fell down by 50%. IQ Power identified the problem and made the necessary repairs. I had a follow up issue that turned up to be connectivity, the company honored the warranty and got the system up and running.
4.77 97 Reviews
Latest review
Jon, over 1 month
Chose them because of their extensive experience and high ratings
Read more
Latest review
Jon, over 1 month
Chose them because of their extensive experience and high ratings
4.75 110 Reviews
Latest review
Sree, 1 week ago
I started looking into solar energy in April 2020. In May I finally selected Sun Badger Solar; I like their professionalism and how easy it was to work with them. Pricing was reasonable too. It did take a long time to go from there to the installation on Oct 29th. I give them a pass on this, as these COVID19 times makes everything challenging. After installation, the inspections and the work by WE Energies to install the new meter took place very quickly, and I was up and running on Nov 11th. I did not have to worry about paperwork, approvals or dealing with various government agencies. Sun Badger Solar took care of all that - I just had to sign some papers (we did all that online). All in all, I'm very happy with the work.
Read more
Latest review
Sree, 1 week ago
I started looking into solar energy in April 2020. In May I finally selected Sun Badger Solar; I like their professionalism and how easy it was to work with them. Pricing was reasonable too. It did take a long time to go from there to the installation on Oct 29th. I give them a pass on this, as these COVID19 times makes everything challenging. After installation, the inspections and the work by WE Energies to install the new meter took place very quickly, and I was up and running on Nov 11th. I did not have to worry about paperwork, approvals or dealing with various government agencies. Sun Badger Solar took care of all that - I just had to sign some papers (we did all that online). All in all, I'm very happy with the work.
4.74 121 Reviews
Latest review
Gcorr001, 1 week ago
Goldin did a great job meeting my expectations with the install of my system. Justin started my initial review and bid process and he was able to take care of each of my questions leading up to signing. From there Solene was an excellent communicator through the entire process from initiation all the way to close-out. I appreciate the efforts of the install team who were able to complete their work in 2 days! We had a few delays on the electrical with the final connections but they were communicated and taken care of. Ultimately, Goldin Solar beat out 4 local competitors and 1 non-local competitor. Great job team - I appreciate each of you!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Latest review
Gcorr001, 1 week ago
Goldin did a great job meeting my expectations with the install of my system. Justin started my initial review and bid process and he was able to take care of each of my questions leading up to signing. From there Solene was an excellent communicator through the entire process from initiation all the way to close-out. I appreciate the efforts of the install team who were able to complete their work in 2 days! We had a few delays on the electrical with the final connections but they were communicated and taken care of. Ultimately, Goldin Solar beat out 4 local competitors and 1 non-local competitor. Great job team - I appreciate each of you!
4.73 47 Reviews
Latest review
Kathy F, over 1 month
PES Solar was top notch! Install went perfect. Todd and his crew did a great job of explaining to me what to expect. I went on line in less than 10 days after install. Please do your homework before you make this decision. Solar doesn't start showing its return right away. Be patient it will come. We installed at the right time, during the fall. Just because we live in the sunshine state it doesn't mean your going to max your panels. They will produce the best kw in the fall, winter and spring. Be patient and do your homework! I sat with 5 company's and choose PES. I'm very satisfied with the professionalism and the workmanship. Thank you PES and you got a good one in Todd!
Read more
Latest review
Kathy F, over 1 month
PES Solar was top notch! Install went perfect. Todd and his crew did a great job of explaining to me what to expect. I went on line in less than 10 days after install. Please do your homework before you make this decision. Solar doesn't start showing its return right away. Be patient it will come. We installed at the right time, during the fall. Just because we live in the sunshine state it doesn't mean your going to max your panels. They will produce the best kw in the fall, winter and spring. Be patient and do your homework! I sat with 5 company's and choose PES. I'm very satisfied with the professionalism and the workmanship. Thank you PES and you got a good one in Todd!
4.71 49 Reviews
Latest review
Terry, over 1 month
I am writing this letter to thank Solar Source who I contacted to to replace my solar hot water tank. My system was installed over 15 years ago with a 120 gallon storage tank. Systems normally have 80 gallon. They did not have one in stock but they got one in short order and sent two techs out to do the install. Dan the lead was very experienced and knew everything about my older system and went right to work. The job was somewhat labor intensive since I wanted all the old cutoffs and drains replaced. When he got done it was like a work of art on how he planned the runs and put them together. All the contacts at the company were extremely helpful. I would like to add the price of this quality work was very reasonable. I will be sure to rec amend them for future needs and to my neighbors.
Read more
Latest review
Terry, over 1 month
I am writing this letter to thank Solar Source who I contacted to to replace my solar hot water tank. My system was installed over 15 years ago with a 120 gallon storage tank. Systems normally have 80 gallon. They did not have one in stock but they got one in short order and sent two techs out to do the install. Dan the lead was very experienced and knew everything about my older system and went right to work. The job was somewhat labor intensive since I wanted all the old cutoffs and drains replaced. When he got done it was like a work of art on how he planned the runs and put them together. All the contacts at the company were extremely helpful. I would like to add the price of this quality work was very reasonable. I will be sure to rec amend them for future needs and to my neighbors.
Solar guides for your Florida city
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
Useful links
Related solar news
Catherine Lane
March 10, 2020
Brevard Solar closes without completing their jobs
Florida solar company Brevard Solar closed in Feb 2020 after taking thousands of dollars from their customers.
Andrew Sendy
January 16, 2019
Are solar panels in Florida worth it? Your expert savings guide for 2020
Find out how much you can save from installing solar panels in Florida with this expert guide to Florida solar incentives. See if you qualify for the Florida PACE program?
Catherine Lane
November 24, 2020
New affordable sonnenCore battery gives Tesla a run for its money
The new - and affordable - sonnenCore battery looks like it will be a main competitor to the Tesla Powerwall. While substantially cheaper than other sonnen batteries, it doesn't skimp on impressive features.
Ana Almerini
November 20, 2020
Tesla Cybertruck: what you need to know about the much-anticipated electric pickup
Should you preorder the Tesla Cybertruck? The all-electric, futuristic-looking pickup truck is loaded with innovative features, including self-parking and a bulletproof exterior.
Catherine Lane
November 19, 2020
5 best smart thermostats of 2020
A rundown of the 5 best smart thermostats of 2020 and how to choose the right one for your home, including prices, features, compatibility, and more.