Florida solar panels guide 2021
Updated August 18, 2020Florida is one of the best places in the nation for installing solar panels. The combination of excellent sun exposure, the solar tax credit, a great net metering policy, and some of the strongest financing options in the U.S. allows homeowners to see an excellent return on their investment when they install residential solar panels in Florida.
The cost of installing solar panels is now more than 80% lower than it was 10 years ago, so the financial benefits of installing solar panels are better than ever. On average, Florida solar panels pay back their cost in under 9 years and earn homeowners thousands of dollars in savings over their estimated 25- to 30-year lifespans.
On this page:
Solar power prices, savings and payback in your part of Florida
The average cost for an installed residential solar system in Florida is currently $11,442 after claiming the 26% federal solar tax credit. This is $2.58 per watt. However, there is some variance in solar prices in different parts of the state. The graph below shows the average cost of installed solar systems in your part of the state.
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Prices based on a 6.8kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$17,521-$21,414
Payback period
11.9-14.5 years
Recommended size for the selected utility bill
6.8kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 6.8kW system
Are solar panels worth it in Florida
Solar panels have fallen in price by more than 80% in the last ten years. In 2020 they also remain subsidized by the 26% federal tax credit and the net metering law, making them an excellent investment. They offer a return well above the long term average return from both the share market and also property investment.
Another way to look at this question is the levelized amount you will pay for each kWh of power you will use over the next 25 years with and without solar panels. As you can see below the savings are significant.
Levelized cost of solar energy
?
Levelized cost per kWh is the cost of the solar system divided by the total number of kWh produced by a solar system over it’s lifetime
5¢ /kWh
If you don't get solar
28¢ /kWh
(forecast avg Florida electric rates over the next 25 years)
FL solar panel cost calculator
Florida solar incentives & tax credits
Federal solar tax credit
Every homeowner in the United States has the opportunity to earn a federal income tax credit equal to 26% of the costs to install solar. If you earn income, you can qualify for the credit and greatly reduce the costs of going solar after the first year.
Net metering
Floridians benefit from net metering, meaning all kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generated by your panels reduce your monthly electric bills by an equal amount. That can bring your bill down to just the few dollars per month that it costs to maintain a grid connection. If your system produces more electricity than you need during the year, the utility company will cut you a check for the excess kWh multiplied by their “avoided cost,” or wholesale energy rate.
Other incentives
Florida homeowners can also take advantage of a few state solar incentives which can make the financial decision to go solar easier. The Sunshine State offers both sales and property tax exemptions for solar installations, meaning your solar purchase will cost less up front and the value added to your home by the system will not increase your property tax.
Those lucky enough to live in the Jacksonville Electric Authority service area can also grab some pretty sweet rebates on home battery storage systems as well.
Table 2: Available incentive programs
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Eligibility: Federal incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
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Eligibility: State incentive
Type: Loan Program
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Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,718.32
($2.61 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,523.93
($2.49 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,931.63
($2.45 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,025.23
($2.55 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,008.02
($2.43 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.31 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,202.42
($2.47 p/w)
VBHN330SA17E overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$297.60 ($0.89 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,059.05
($2.60 p/w)
VBHN335SA17 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
20
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,968.01
($2.44 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,335.47
($2.45 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,803.99
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,717.55
($2.59 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,951.44
($2.40 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$12,341.39
($2.57 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$207.90 ($0.66 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,561.32
($2.49 p/w)
CS3K-315MS overview
Rated power
315 watts
Efficiency
18.96
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$247.00 ($0.75 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,948.87
($2.62 p/w)
CS1H-330MS BLACK overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.57
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,840.67
($2.43 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,079.73
($2.44 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,310.27
($2.41 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,531.43
($2.47 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Average cost of solar panel installation in Florida by system size
System size* |
Cash purchase(After tax credit) |
Financed purchase(After tax credit) |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $10,556 | $11,295 |
| 5kW | $13,235 | $14,161 |
| 6kW | $15,462 | $16,544 |
| 7kW | $17,892 | $19,144 |
| 8kW | $20,240 | $21,657 |
| 9kW | $22,302 | $23,863 |
| 10kW | $24,550 | $26,269 |
Best solar companies in the main cities of Florida
Home solar basics
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Florida
You will save most money by buying your solar system rather than leasing it. Read more about the pros and cons of leasing vs buying solar.
How long do solar panels last?
Minimum of 25 years but generally 30 or more
How do solar panels work on a home?
Solar panels power your house when they can but your home uses the utility company for power at other times. In 2021 "solar systems with battery storage" are becoming more popular. These are known as hybrid systems.
How do solar panels work?
Grid-tied solar system
A grid-tied system is the most common type of solar system. It has no solar battery for backup power and utilizes net metering to maximize savings. Solar panels are mounted on your roof then wired together, and the power generated flows into an inverter where direct current (DC) electricity is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity. This electricity is either used by your home or is exported to the utility grid.
Hybrid solar system
In hybrid solar systems, rooftop solar panels are connected to both a solar battery and the electric grid. The solar electricity generated by your panels that your home does not use is stored in the battery instead of being sent to the grid, which reduces your reliance on the utility while also providing backup power when needed. Battery storage is still expensive but you may be able to reduce costs by using state incentives.
Off-grid solar system
Off-grid solar systems are not connected to the grid at all, so all of your energy needs must be met by the sun. There is no utility to fall back on. The solar installation needs to power your home not only during the day, but after dark as well, so many solar panels and a large battery system are required. These systems are often expensive and don’t make sense for homes that have access to the grid.
Read more about types of home solar systems.
Do solar panels require regular maintenance?
No, but cleaning them can improve power generation if they are dirty.
Will residential solar power system cost fall in Florida in 2021?
Given this environment, and the effect of import tariffs placed on solar panels by the Trump administration during 2018, it is hard to see that solar power system prices in Florida will fall during 2021.
How much electricity do solar panel systems generate in Florida?
Depending on the location, solar panels will generate different amounts of electricity.
A solar system that is installed on a south-facing 20-degree pitch roof Florida will generate 1,351kWh of peak DC (direct current) capacity per year per 1kW in the Miami area.
Enter your details into the solar panel calculator to see how your location, roof tilt, and roof direction impacts solar panel production.
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Florida?
The biggest advantages in Florida for installing solar panels are the financial savings possible, and the 26% federal tax credit is the biggest reason they work so well. Florida also offers some good state-level incentives that reduce the up-front and ongoing cost of going solar.
The main disadvantage of installing solar in Florida is the relatively low cost of electricity. Compared to other states, Florida is just below the national average in per-kWh cost of electricity. This negative is balanced out by the sheer amount of sun that shines down on your roof, and the high need for electricity-intensive air conditioning.
The incentives available to help you install solar panels in Florida will not be around for much longer. The federal solar tax credit is scheduled to step down to zero in just two years, and without it, the financial benefits of a home solar installation will not be as large.
Enter your details to calculate the cost and savings you are likely to get from installing solar panels for your home.
What you can learn from our state solar panel calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - it tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of How many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Florida
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Florida or
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Florida solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Note: Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
Useful links
Related solar news
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January 26, 2021
The state of net metering in the United States in 2021
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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.
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January 16, 2019
Are solar panels in Florida worth it? Your expert savings guide for 2021
Solar panels in Florida cost just $2.61/watt, or $15,660 for a typical 6kW system before incentives. Florida also has ample sunshine and generous incentives for solar.
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June 15, 2021
Are solar canopies and carports worth it?
Solar canopies are custom-built outdoor structures designed to hold overhanging solar panels, enabling on-site solar power generation.
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June 10, 2021
What is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)?
Concentrated solar power (CSP) uses special mirrors to concentrate the sun’s energy; the collected heat is then used to generate power on the utility scale.