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.
4.96 228 Reviews
Latest review
Robert Riis, 1 day ago
Great experience with the sales rep Dalton and would highly recommend SunVena to anyone.
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Latest review
Robert Riis, 1 day ago
Great experience with the sales rep Dalton and would highly recommend SunVena to anyone.
4.96 541 Reviews
Latest review
Brooks Fountain, 1 week ago
Amer, Brandon, Muhammed, Saed and Keith showed up at our house at 9am on Friday and were finished with the installation by noon. Upon arrival, Amer showed us the schematic for the layout and after we ok'd it, they set to work in a very businesslike manner answering any question we had to the fullest extent and didn't miss a beat in their installation process. They were a pleasure to have around. The entire process, from the sales presentation by Roger Hernandez through the install, was absolutely painless for us. Solar Bear handled all communication with the city and we just sat around like a couple of lumps, but happy lumps. Many businesses proclaim their professionalism and service: Solar Bear delivers. Kudos to the crew.
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Latest review
Brooks Fountain, 1 week ago
Amer, Brandon, Muhammed, Saed and Keith showed up at our house at 9am on Friday and were finished with the installation by noon. Upon arrival, Amer showed us the schematic for the layout and after we ok'd it, they set to work in a very businesslike manner answering any question we had to the fullest extent and didn't miss a beat in their installation process. They were a pleasure to have around. The entire process, from the sales presentation by Roger Hernandez through the install, was absolutely painless for us. Solar Bear handled all communication with the city and we just sat around like a couple of lumps, but happy lumps. Many businesses proclaim their professionalism and service: Solar Bear delivers. Kudos to the crew.
4.92 395 Reviews
Latest review
Jesus Calixto, 5 days ago
Quick, fast, and efficient! I am very happy
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Jesus Calixto, 5 days ago
Quick, fast, and efficient! I am very happy
4.89 233 Reviews
Latest review
Sandeep Wilkhu, 1 week ago
Great customer service during the installation process.
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Latest review
Sandeep Wilkhu, 1 week ago
Great customer service during the installation process.
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?
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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?
4.82 139 Reviews
Latest review
Kj899, over 1 month
I called IQ Solar for a warranty repair to a system they did not install. The company who installed it is now out of business. The issues have been nonstop with the inverter company but Danielle Martinez at IQ has been more than amazing. I am now going on my 3rd replacement to the original inverter in as many months. Danielle as well as Kristina and IQ have treated me as if I purchased the system from them. Danielle has gone above and beyond for me trying to deal with the inverter manufacturer. If I had a business with a customer service department I would not only want Danielle working for me but I would want her running that department. Thank you.
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Latest review
Kj899, over 1 month
I called IQ Solar for a warranty repair to a system they did not install. The company who installed it is now out of business. The issues have been nonstop with the inverter company but Danielle Martinez at IQ has been more than amazing. I am now going on my 3rd replacement to the original inverter in as many months. Danielle as well as Kristina and IQ have treated me as if I purchased the system from them. Danielle has gone above and beyond for me trying to deal with the inverter manufacturer. If I had a business with a customer service department I would not only want Danielle working for me but I would want her running that department. Thank you.
4.81 35 Reviews
Latest review
Larry G, 3 weeks ago
I spent a lot of time investigating solar products and companies. It takes information to make a good and wise decision in this kind of purchase. Brenda was more than forthcoming with her personal experience with solar and her knowledge of products that Voltage Pros installs. The installation process went smoothly. The team was very professional. They were willing to talk to a nosy homeowner and answer questions about the process. The site was cleaned up daily and a progress update given with a time promised for return next day. The installation is neat and of high quality showing pride in workmanship. We did run into a few hiccups with defective equipment from the vendors. The problems were identified quickly and repaired in a timely manner. It took several trips due to manufacturer warranty requirements, but Brenda and her team were on top of it the entire time. When a return was required, they showed up on time and made sure the repairs were done correctly and the system operating as required. Brenda was on top of Duke Energy to get my interconnection approved and meter turned on. She called Duke on my behalf to get approvals and the meter switched. This was a very satisfying experience. Voltage Pros is top notch. I'm more than pleased to have had them on my roof installing my system. You won't go wrong with them.
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Latest review
Larry G, 3 weeks ago
I spent a lot of time investigating solar products and companies. It takes information to make a good and wise decision in this kind of purchase. Brenda was more than forthcoming with her personal experience with solar and her knowledge of products that Voltage Pros installs. The installation process went smoothly. The team was very professional. They were willing to talk to a nosy homeowner and answer questions about the process. The site was cleaned up daily and a progress update given with a time promised for return next day. The installation is neat and of high quality showing pride in workmanship. We did run into a few hiccups with defective equipment from the vendors. The problems were identified quickly and repaired in a timely manner. It took several trips due to manufacturer warranty requirements, but Brenda and her team were on top of it the entire time. When a return was required, they showed up on time and made sure the repairs were done correctly and the system operating as required. Brenda was on top of Duke Energy to get my interconnection approved and meter turned on. She called Duke on my behalf to get approvals and the meter switched. This was a very satisfying experience. Voltage Pros is top notch. I'm more than pleased to have had them on my roof installing my system. You won't go wrong with them.
4.79 241 Reviews
Latest review
Blake Ortner, 2 days ago
I could not be happier with the service provided by Solar Energy World during my install of both solar panels and battery backup. The crews were all courteous and made sure they informed me of what was going on with the install. I had a large and complicated system installed and they were welcoming of my questions all along the way (and I had a lot of questions… I’m just that kind of guy). There were some activation issues and at each stage the crews would let me know what was going on and were diligent in getting to the bottom of everything to make sure the system worked like a charm. I could not be happier. Highly recommend Solar Energy World for anyone interested in Solar or battery backups.
Read more
Latest review
Blake Ortner, 2 days ago
I could not be happier with the service provided by Solar Energy World during my install of both solar panels and battery backup. The crews were all courteous and made sure they informed me of what was going on with the install. I had a large and complicated system installed and they were welcoming of my questions all along the way (and I had a lot of questions… I’m just that kind of guy). There were some activation issues and at each stage the crews would let me know what was going on and were diligent in getting to the bottom of everything to make sure the system worked like a charm. I could not be happier. Highly recommend Solar Energy World for anyone interested in Solar or battery backups.
4.77 82 Reviews
Latest review
Greg, 4 days ago
PES did a great job, everything went well and no issues
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Latest review
Greg, 4 days ago
PES did a great job, everything went well and no issues
4.75 201 Reviews
Latest review
Timothy Johnson, 3 days ago
We went solar as we have to pay for power no matter what so we decided to go solar as we are paying off the solar panels with the money that we are not paying to the electric company and we also added value to our home. It went very smooth and quickly. I would recommend them.
Read more
Latest review
Timothy Johnson, 3 days ago
We went solar as we have to pay for power no matter what so we decided to go solar as we are paying off the solar panels with the money that we are not paying to the electric company and we also added value to our home. It went very smooth and quickly. I would recommend them.
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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