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:
-
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% 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:
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 2021
10.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Florida
167 solar companies in Florida provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.97 413 Reviews
Latest review
Conolly, 1 day ago
Solar Bear from the beginning has been great, from Josh that walked us through ill the paperwork and any and all questions to the end with john who answered all questions and made sure that everything was working right. We highly recommend this company !
Read more
Latest review
Conolly, 1 day ago
Solar Bear from the beginning has been great, from Josh that walked us through ill the paperwork and any and all questions to the end with john who answered all questions and made sure that everything was working right. We highly recommend this company !
4.96 323 Reviews
Latest review
Frazilia Madeus, 3 days ago
I love my lg panels. The process was a bit long but ended with a great final result. Would recommend
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Frazilia Madeus, 3 days ago
I love my lg panels. The process was a bit long but ended with a great final result. Would recommend
4.91 95 Reviews
Latest review
Vanessa Cortes, 1 week ago
We looked into solar for a number of years, but did not decide to move forward until we were referred to SunVena by a co-worker we trusted. Everything from start to finish has been fantastic. Our system is up and running and we are excited to not being paying Duke for our power bill anymore.
Read more
Latest review
Vanessa Cortes, 1 week ago
We looked into solar for a number of years, but did not decide to move forward until we were referred to SunVena by a co-worker we trusted. Everything from start to finish has been fantastic. Our system is up and running and we are excited to not being paying Duke for our power bill anymore.
4.84 155 Reviews
Latest review
Edwin Torres, 2 weeks ago
I am so grateful to have found Solar-Ray to take care of my solar needs. I was already dealing with Tesla solar when I looked at there reviews. I completely did a 360. I thought to myself, I will be dealing with this company for the next 20 to 30 years. So I did research and looked at reviews and found this Gem. They really do care about there customers, from the salesperson (Dennis) to the installers, to the owner. Oh and lets not forget the ladies in the office. Everyone is pleasant to work with and my installation went through without a hitch. My panels were up in 2 weeks. Then we just had to wait for the inspections. Solar -Ray has no control over that. What they do have control of is the quality of their work, and because it was perfect, the inspections went through with flying colors. Thank you Solar-Ray and staff for making a stressful situation stress free.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$12,500 ($2.50 per watt)
Latest review
Edwin Torres, 2 weeks ago
I am so grateful to have found Solar-Ray to take care of my solar needs. I was already dealing with Tesla solar when I looked at there reviews. I completely did a 360. I thought to myself, I will be dealing with this company for the next 20 to 30 years. So I did research and looked at reviews and found this Gem. They really do care about there customers, from the salesperson (Dennis) to the installers, to the owner. Oh and lets not forget the ladies in the office. Everyone is pleasant to work with and my installation went through without a hitch. My panels were up in 2 weeks. Then we just had to wait for the inspections. Solar -Ray has no control over that. What they do have control of is the quality of their work, and because it was perfect, the inspections went through with flying colors. Thank you Solar-Ray and staff for making a stressful situation stress free.
4.80 62 Reviews
Latest review
Marty, 5 days ago
for: Superior Solar by: M. J. McIsaac (homeowner) Mount Dora, FL 32757 February 28, 2021 To whom it may concern: It is my pleasure to write this unsolicited letter of recommendation on behalf of Superior Solar. They were contracted by me to install a 6 panel, pool heating system. I had no prior relationship with Superior and found them only after an extensive internet search and company evaluation. The scope of the project involved on-site evaluation, permitting and finally equipment installation. Once ready, the project took less than three hours with the quoted estimate being met without complication. While major construction projects are inherently stressful for almost any homeowner, especially during a time of pandemic, Superior Solar made the process as painless as possible. Specifically, I would give this company top marks in the following areas: 1. Quality of work crew: The Superior Solar crew was professional, reliable, courteous, and respectful of our property and privacy. They had an old school work ethic of good work habits, strong safety orientation, and emphasized getting the job done right rather than doing it fast. Their pride in their work was always evident. The foreman was able to walk me through the operation of everything that was installed. He was able to was able to teach me all aspects of filter / pump / solar operation. What appeared initially daunting became easy with his expert guidance. It goes without say, that once installed, the crew tidied up and my yard was left in a pristine condition. 3. Project management and coordination. Our company representative David Spanier, was knowledgeable about all aspects of solar heating and our specific project. He was able to plan, coordinate and manage the activities from the first. He remained closely involved in overseeing the project from start to finish. Any questions I had prior to installation; he answered my email inquiries within minutes. Though my wife and I expected the occasional hiccup, there was none and we are absolutely thrilled with the system. Because of this and other reasons too numerous to list, I recommend Superior Solar and Spa WITHOUT RESERVATION. Best Regards, Martin McIsaac
Read more
Latest review
Marty, 5 days ago
for: Superior Solar by: M. J. McIsaac (homeowner) Mount Dora, FL 32757 February 28, 2021 To whom it may concern: It is my pleasure to write this unsolicited letter of recommendation on behalf of Superior Solar. They were contracted by me to install a 6 panel, pool heating system. I had no prior relationship with Superior and found them only after an extensive internet search and company evaluation. The scope of the project involved on-site evaluation, permitting and finally equipment installation. Once ready, the project took less than three hours with the quoted estimate being met without complication. While major construction projects are inherently stressful for almost any homeowner, especially during a time of pandemic, Superior Solar made the process as painless as possible. Specifically, I would give this company top marks in the following areas: 1. Quality of work crew: The Superior Solar crew was professional, reliable, courteous, and respectful of our property and privacy. They had an old school work ethic of good work habits, strong safety orientation, and emphasized getting the job done right rather than doing it fast. Their pride in their work was always evident. The foreman was able to walk me through the operation of everything that was installed. He was able to was able to teach me all aspects of filter / pump / solar operation. What appeared initially daunting became easy with his expert guidance. It goes without say, that once installed, the crew tidied up and my yard was left in a pristine condition. 3. Project management and coordination. Our company representative David Spanier, was knowledgeable about all aspects of solar heating and our specific project. He was able to plan, coordinate and manage the activities from the first. He remained closely involved in overseeing the project from start to finish. Any questions I had prior to installation; he answered my email inquiries within minutes. Though my wife and I expected the occasional hiccup, there was none and we are absolutely thrilled with the system. Because of this and other reasons too numerous to list, I recommend Superior Solar and Spa WITHOUT RESERVATION. Best Regards, Martin McIsaac
4.79 131 Reviews
Latest review
Jose Moreno, 3 days ago
I met with many other solar companies before talking to Michael from Goldin Solar. One of the things I liked the most was how honest and upfront he was about how the cost and the size of the system I would need for a house my size. My project Coordinator Solene was also incredibly nice and professional and was always there to answer any question I needed throughout the whole process. The quality of their installation I also very very good, the entire process took no more than a few days and their workers even worked through the rain just to get the job done. All and all I'm pretty happy to have gone solar with Goldin Solar!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Latest review
Jose Moreno, 3 days ago
I met with many other solar companies before talking to Michael from Goldin Solar. One of the things I liked the most was how honest and upfront he was about how the cost and the size of the system I would need for a house my size. My project Coordinator Solene was also incredibly nice and professional and was always there to answer any question I needed throughout the whole process. The quality of their installation I also very very good, the entire process took no more than a few days and their workers even worked through the rain just to get the job done. All and all I'm pretty happy to have gone solar with Goldin Solar!
4.79 121 Reviews
Latest review
Sultan, 3 weeks ago
IQ POWER installed my solar water heater system over 10 years ago. This system has saved me thousands of dollars of electricity cost and has more than paid for itself. Recently I needed the solar water heater serviced. I found customer-service extremely friendly, cooperative and efficient. The technicians were also reliable and very professional. I highly recommend this company.
Read more
Latest review
Sultan, 3 weeks ago
IQ POWER installed my solar water heater system over 10 years ago. This system has saved me thousands of dollars of electricity cost and has more than paid for itself. Recently I needed the solar water heater serviced. I found customer-service extremely friendly, cooperative and efficient. The technicians were also reliable and very professional. I highly recommend this company.
4.76 98 Reviews
Latest review
Entirely Satisfied, over 1 month
Replied to my service inquiry e-mail at 8:00am within literally three minutes. Dave came out within hours and accurately diagnosed the problem (it was unrelated to the solar system). The system has worked perfectly for almost a year now. I offered / expected to pay a service call charge, especially since it was just my pump that required priming, but he told me there was no charge, explained a couple of things about winter use in general, and told me to call if anything else came up. They live up to their name "Superior"!
Read more
Latest review
Entirely Satisfied, over 1 month
Replied to my service inquiry e-mail at 8:00am within literally three minutes. Dave came out within hours and accurately diagnosed the problem (it was unrelated to the solar system). The system has worked perfectly for almost a year now. I offered / expected to pay a service call charge, especially since it was just my pump that required priming, but he told me there was no charge, explained a couple of things about winter use in general, and told me to call if anything else came up. They live up to their name "Superior"!
4.76 52 Reviews
Latest review
James H., 1 week ago
PES Solar did a very Professional & clean install fallowed with inspector & FPL to get meter installed. They always answer there phones & helped me get setup with online monitoring
Read more
Latest review
James H., 1 week ago
PES Solar did a very Professional & clean install fallowed with inspector & FPL to get meter installed. They always answer there phones & helped me get setup with online monitoring
4.76 200 Reviews
Latest review
Will McColley, 8 hours ago
Solar Energy World was a dream to work with! From start to finish they were respectful, on-time, and literally handled everything throughout the entire process.
Read more
Latest review
Will McColley, 8 hours ago
Solar Energy World was a dream to work with! From start to finish they were respectful, on-time, and literally handled everything throughout the entire process.
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
Ben Zientara
January 26, 2021
The state of net metering in the United States in 2021
This annual report ranks the states for friendliness to home solar based on their net metering programs.
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?
Ana Almerini
March 4, 2021
Everything you need to know about installing solar panels on boats
Adding solar panels to your boat will keep your battery charged and your appliances running, from a quick fishing trip to sailing an entire open ocean.
Zeeshan Hyder
March 3, 2021
Jinko Solar: reviewing the world’s biggest panel maker
Jinko Solar makes a lot of solar panels — but are they a good choice for your home? Here’s a complete review of the Chinese solar giant.