Summary of Florida solar incentives 2021
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:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Florida homeowners
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See what Florida solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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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% at the end of 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:
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 2021
10.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Florida
179 solar companies in Florida provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.96 539 Reviews
Latest review
Ann , 1 week ago
Great company very reputable very professional! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to go solar!
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Latest review
Ann , 1 week ago
Great company very reputable very professional! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to go solar!
4.96 195 Reviews
Latest review
Eric Sabino, 3 days ago
The service of the company was exceptional from the beginning of the process to end . The representative explained the process will go step by step, very professional until the end also including the follow up process. I will totally recommend their services to everyone.
Read more
Latest review
Eric Sabino, 3 days ago
The service of the company was exceptional from the beginning of the process to end . The representative explained the process will go step by step, very professional until the end also including the follow up process. I will totally recommend their services to everyone.
4.94 377 Reviews
Latest review
Charles Perone, 3 days ago
I got a new ac unit and solar package. Looks good and the ac keeps me cool so I’m happy it works.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Charles Perone, 3 days ago
I got a new ac unit and solar package. Looks good and the ac keeps me cool so I’m happy it works.
4.89 227 Reviews
Latest review
Expert repairs, over 1 month
Precise repairs to an older solar water system. Friend service men who provided timely information.
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Latest review
Expert repairs, over 1 month
Precise repairs to an older solar water system. Friend service men who provided timely information.
4.84 157 Reviews
Latest review
David Figueroa, over 1 month
Had multiple quotes from many companies but choosing Solar-Ray was a no-brainer. Not only are they Florida’s first certified contractor to qualify and receive the nationally recognized NABCEP Certification for PV, they also have been installing solar since 2003; that’s over 18 years of experience. On top of that, they are offering 5% cash back from total cost given to you after the installation is completed. Michael Brown (Owner) is always educating himself on solar and keeping up to date with new products as they release. One thing that sets them apart is the various tests they perform with what they currently install vs what’s new to the market. Time and time again, the Equipment he offers outperforms new equipment like micro inverters, etc. Solar Ray is also BBB accredited and has a ton of other achievements and awards. They also provide amazing warranties for any roof leaks (if caused by the install) and 25 year warranty on equipment. Dennis (Salesman) went out of his way to make sure I understood everything that was being done from start to finish. He even went above and beyond by answering all my questions (which I had plenty) and helped me choose the best option/equipment for my roof and usage. I highly recommend this company and Dennis adds great value to this company with exceptional customer service and knowledge. I will definitely be using this company again for future solar installs and will also be referring them to my friends and family who are thinking about going solar. You will not regret choosing Solar Ray, so what are you waiting for?
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$12,500 ($2.50 per watt)
Latest review
David Figueroa, over 1 month
Had multiple quotes from many companies but choosing Solar-Ray was a no-brainer. Not only are they Florida’s first certified contractor to qualify and receive the nationally recognized NABCEP Certification for PV, they also have been installing solar since 2003; that’s over 18 years of experience. On top of that, they are offering 5% cash back from total cost given to you after the installation is completed. Michael Brown (Owner) is always educating himself on solar and keeping up to date with new products as they release. One thing that sets them apart is the various tests they perform with what they currently install vs what’s new to the market. Time and time again, the Equipment he offers outperforms new equipment like micro inverters, etc. Solar Ray is also BBB accredited and has a ton of other achievements and awards. They also provide amazing warranties for any roof leaks (if caused by the install) and 25 year warranty on equipment. Dennis (Salesman) went out of his way to make sure I understood everything that was being done from start to finish. He even went above and beyond by answering all my questions (which I had plenty) and helped me choose the best option/equipment for my roof and usage. I highly recommend this company and Dennis adds great value to this company with exceptional customer service and knowledge. I will definitely be using this company again for future solar installs and will also be referring them to my friends and family who are thinking about going solar. You will not regret choosing Solar Ray, so what are you waiting for?
4.82 137 Reviews
Latest review
Clyde Smith, 5 hours ago
IQ Power has done previous installation and repairs for my Solar System and they are very professional.
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Latest review
Clyde Smith, 5 hours ago
IQ Power has done previous installation and repairs for my Solar System and they are very professional.
4.81 229 Reviews
Latest review
Lisa, over 1 month
We were very happy with the experience from beginning to end. Austin was great at explaining what to expect at every step. Everyone was helpful and friendly and installation went smoothly. We would absolutely recommend Solar Energy World to friends and family.
Read more
Latest review
Lisa, over 1 month
We were very happy with the experience from beginning to end. Austin was great at explaining what to expect at every step. Everyone was helpful and friendly and installation went smoothly. We would absolutely recommend Solar Energy World to friends and family.
4.80 33 Reviews
Latest review
James McCormick-Barger , over 1 month
Voltage Pros designed and installed our 21,000 Watt home solar system in a timely and professional manner. They were pleasant and worked hard to finish our system once our building permit was approved. I highly recommend them.
Read more
Latest review
James McCormick-Barger , over 1 month
Voltage Pros designed and installed our 21,000 Watt home solar system in a timely and professional manner. They were pleasant and worked hard to finish our system once our building permit was approved. I highly recommend them.
4.79 68 Reviews
Latest review
Thiago, 1 day ago
From the beginning PES was very easy to work with, no pressure for me to close and they provided every bit of information I requested. Rodney replied to my questions at any time and after talking to 8 solar companies, I picked PES. After signing the paperwork, they submitted for all the permits and were very helpful with my HOA which, since I am the first neighbor installing solar, had many questions. I would pick PES again if I had to go through the process in the future.
Read more
Latest review
Thiago, 1 day ago
From the beginning PES was very easy to work with, no pressure for me to close and they provided every bit of information I requested. Rodney replied to my questions at any time and after talking to 8 solar companies, I picked PES. After signing the paperwork, they submitted for all the permits and were very helpful with my HOA which, since I am the first neighbor installing solar, had many questions. I would pick PES again if I had to go through the process in the future.
4.77 140 Reviews
Latest review
Jon, over 1 month
Installation was ok. After installation, they forget about their customers. I have been asking for a review of my account for months because my bills are not as low as expected. I should have plenty of credits built up to use in the hotter months, but I have none. All I am asking is for someone to review my account. The project coordinator has stopped communicating with me and the main office has not returned my calls or emails either. The installation comes with a warranty to fix problems. I am worried that if I do have a serious problem, they will not be responsive. Let's hope that day never comes. In the meantime, I paid a ton of capital for the installation and not getting the return on investment they suggested I would get. I do not recommend this company, purely for lack of customer support after the installation.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Latest review
Jon, over 1 month
Installation was ok. After installation, they forget about their customers. I have been asking for a review of my account for months because my bills are not as low as expected. I should have plenty of credits built up to use in the hotter months, but I have none. All I am asking is for someone to review my account. The project coordinator has stopped communicating with me and the main office has not returned my calls or emails either. The installation comes with a warranty to fix problems. I am worried that if I do have a serious problem, they will not be responsive. Let's hope that day never comes. In the meantime, I paid a ton of capital for the installation and not getting the return on investment they suggested I would get. I do not recommend this company, purely for lack of customer support after the installation.
Solar guides for your Florida city
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
Useful links
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