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
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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
178 solar companies in Florida provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.98 488 Reviews
Latest review
Rob Symbouras, 4 days ago
Professional outfit from sale to completion. After the friendly and knowledgeable salesman solid us on Solar Bear, we were on autopilot. Solar bear took care of everything from filing permits to scheduling the install and inspectors. The installation crew was professional and exceptional. I highly recommend Solar Bear!
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Latest review
Rob Symbouras, 4 days ago
Professional outfit from sale to completion. After the friendly and knowledgeable salesman solid us on Solar Bear, we were on autopilot. Solar bear took care of everything from filing permits to scheduling the install and inspectors. The installation crew was professional and exceptional. I highly recommend Solar Bear!
4.97 356 Reviews
Latest review
Ethan Young, 1 week ago
Super excited to save money on my electric Bill especially with the summer months coming up! There these guys have been great from start to finish.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Ethan Young, 1 week ago
Super excited to save money on my electric Bill especially with the summer months coming up! There these guys have been great from start to finish.
4.93 129 Reviews
Latest review
David Hernandez, 4 days ago
Our experience with Sunvena was super! Ryan, was extremely knowledgeable and professional. We were kept informed throughout the entire process, including before and after installation. We highly recommend Sunvena!!
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Latest review
David Hernandez, 4 days ago
Our experience with Sunvena was super! Ryan, was extremely knowledgeable and professional. We were kept informed throughout the entire process, including before and after installation. We highly recommend Sunvena!!
4.85 112 Reviews
Latest review
Yates Meriam, 2 weeks ago
Solar Source did my original solar system, no way to go with anyone else! Guys did great job installing, system working great!!!
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Latest review
Yates Meriam, 2 weeks ago
Solar Source did my original solar system, no way to go with anyone else! Guys did great job installing, system working great!!!
4.84 55 Reviews
Latest review
niltes, over 1 month
PES supplied facts not sales pressure. The system that they delivered worked exactly as promised. Everything was done professionally and timely.
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Latest review
niltes, over 1 month
PES supplied facts not sales pressure. The system that they delivered worked exactly as promised. Everything was done professionally and timely.
4.84 157 Reviews
Latest review
David Figueroa, 3 weeks ago
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, 3 weeks ago
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?
4.82 168 Reviews
Latest review
Pohlman, over 1 month
The entire process of purchasing our solar array went smoothly Tony, our sales person made the configuration and selection process easy Jack scheduled the installation to fit our schedule Ramon and his installation team arrived an hour early and completed the task in under four hours. Panel placement was great. They even painted the conduit to match the house Brandon answered all my geek questions perfectly The system turns out power to match the quote and does it in even less than bright conditions I enjoy monitoring the system on the SunPower app All in all a pleasant experience
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Latest review
Pohlman, over 1 month
The entire process of purchasing our solar array went smoothly Tony, our sales person made the configuration and selection process easy Jack scheduled the installation to fit our schedule Ramon and his installation team arrived an hour early and completed the task in under four hours. Panel placement was great. They even painted the conduit to match the house Brandon answered all my geek questions perfectly The system turns out power to match the quote and does it in even less than bright conditions I enjoy monitoring the system on the SunPower app All in all a pleasant experience
4.81 139 Reviews
Latest review
Ruben Perez , 3 weeks ago
While I was waiting for my roof to be repaired after hurricane damage, I decided to research several solar companies and the friendly customer service, knowledgeable staff and overall value was the reason I chose Goldin Solar. My solar power system was activated on May 11th and this graph from the FPL dashboard shows the panels produced more power than my home consumed. Bye bye electricity bill
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,250 ($3.25 per watt)
Latest review
Ruben Perez , 3 weeks ago
While I was waiting for my roof to be repaired after hurricane damage, I decided to research several solar companies and the friendly customer service, knowledgeable staff and overall value was the reason I chose Goldin Solar. My solar power system was activated on May 11th and this graph from the FPL dashboard shows the panels produced more power than my home consumed. Bye bye electricity bill
4.81 133 Reviews
Latest review
Beth, 2 weeks ago
The men that took my solar panels off my roof and reinstalled them, so I could replace my shingles, were excellent. They were both professional and knowledgeable. When I needed help to figure out why my pool water was getting so hot, they talked me through it. The people on the phone were excellent too. I recommend them 100%.
Read more
Latest review
Beth, 2 weeks ago
The men that took my solar panels off my roof and reinstalled them, so I could replace my shingles, were excellent. They were both professional and knowledgeable. When I needed help to figure out why my pool water was getting so hot, they talked me through it. The people on the phone were excellent too. I recommend them 100%.
4.80 223 Reviews
Latest review
MagnanoGoneSolar, 6 days ago
We went solar in our household and thanks to Brent Cotton and his team at Solar Energy World for making this happen. It all started with a dream to install a backyard pool and a way to reduce the carbon footprint that has entangled American for years. In the end, we have The Pool, A NEW Roof and Solar Panels to help with the reduction of that same carbon footprint plaguing the country today. Make sure you contact Solar Energy World asking for COTTON and give him the "Magnano" promo code receive the best reliable and cost saving experience.
Read more
Latest review
MagnanoGoneSolar, 6 days ago
We went solar in our household and thanks to Brent Cotton and his team at Solar Energy World for making this happen. It all started with a dream to install a backyard pool and a way to reduce the carbon footprint that has entangled American for years. In the end, we have The Pool, A NEW Roof and Solar Panels to help with the reduction of that same carbon footprint plaguing the country today. Make sure you contact Solar Energy World asking for COTTON and give him the "Magnano" promo code receive the best reliable and cost saving experience.
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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