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How much do solar panels in Florida cost?

The cost of solar panels in Florida averages $3.05 per watt as of November 2024, so homeowners can expect to pay roughly $3,050 for each kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity installed.

Solar panel pricing vs electricity costs in Florida

In Florida, the average electric bill is $160.08, with a monthly usage of 1,099kWh. Compact residences, including duplexes, are also included.

In November 2024, Florida’s electricity rate averaged 14.56¢ per kWh.

The average Florida electricity consumer needs a 9kW or higher solar setup to meet their full energy demands. With annual electricity savings of $2,140, most homeowners can expect to recover their investment in approximately 9 years.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Florida

Here’s a price breakdown for various solar panel system sizes in Florida. A larger installation costs more but offers greater electricity savings and higher tax credits.

System Size Roof Size Min. space required Electricity Value Annual Production Est. Price
5kW 358 ft² $1,189 a year $10,675
6kW 429 ft² $1,427 a year $12,810
7kW 501 ft² $1,665 a year $14,945
8kW 572 ft² $1,903 a year $17,080
9kW 644 ft² $2,140 a year $19,215

Current solar incentives & rebates in Florida

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to most, making solar feasible in many states. Alongside federal efforts, state and local programs promote solar power use.

Florida offers 34 solar rebates and incentives from various utilities and government agencies.

Is Florida good for solar?

If you plan to stay in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Florida. On average, installing a 5kW solar system will save you $27,743.30 over 20 years, with a break-even period of about 6 years.

What not having solar panels in Florida will cost you

Not having solar panels in Florida means you'll miss out on potential savings and will fully rely on your electric utility. In Florida, customers experience an average of 1.86 utility outages each year, lasting about 195.1 minutes per outage. Major events such as vandalism, outdated infrastructure, or wildfires can significantly increase these outages. Installing a solar panel system, even without a backup battery, can help reduce stress during future power disruptions.

What does the cost of solar panels in Florida depend on?

  • How Much Energy You Need
  • Brand & Model
  • Solar Panel Type
  • Your House
  • Labor Costs
  • Permitting & Interconnection

Bigger solar panel systems are more expensive, but the cost per watt decreases. A larger system that can cover your electricity bill would lead to the biggest long-term savings.

How the Impacts of Power Outages Can Be Eased With Solar?

Solar energy, especially with advanced storage solutions, can help ease the impacts of power outages. By generating power on-site, it reduces dependence on the grid and supports critical services. This makes communities and businesses more resilient to disruptions, allowing them to recover faster and more effectively.

On-Site Power Generation

  • Solar Panels: Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity directly from the sun. During a power outage, if the solar system is designed with a battery backup or a hybrid system, it can continue to provide power to essential loads.
  • Grid-Tied Systems with Battery Backup: These systems can switch to battery power during an outage, ensuring that critical appliances and systems continue to function. This is particularly useful for homes, hospitals, data centers, and other essential facilities.

Energy Storage Solutions

  • Batteries: Solar panels can charge batteries during the day, which can then provide power during outages. This is especially valuable during nighttime or cloudy days when solar generation is limited.
  • Microgrids: A combination of solar panels, batteries, and sometimes other renewable energy sources can create a microgrid that operates independently of the main grid. Microgrids can island themselves from the grid during an outage, providing continuous power to a localized area.

Reduced Reliance on the Grid

  • Grid Resilience: By generating power locally, solar energy reduces the load on the grid, making it less vulnerable to failures. This is particularly important in areas prone to extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, or ice storms.
  • Diversified Energy Sources: Solar energy diversifies the energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and centralized power plants, which are more susceptible to outages due to fuel shortages or equipment failures.

Property Value Enhancement

  • Increased Home Value: Solar installations can increase property values, with studies showing homes with solar systems selling for a premium compared to non-solar homes.
  • Market Appeal: Properties with solar installations are increasingly attractive to buyers who prioritize energy independence and environmental sustainability.
  • Return on Investment: The combination of energy savings and property value appreciation provides a compelling financial return, often exceeding the initial installation costs.

Critical Services Support

  • Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Solar-powered systems with battery backups can ensure that essential medical equipment continues to function during outages, saving lives and maintaining critical care.
  • Emergency Services and Communication: Solar-powered communication towers, streetlights, and emergency shelters can remain operational, providing vital services during disasters.

Economic Benefits

  • Cost Savings: By reducing reliance on the grid, businesses and households can lower their energy costs and avoid the financial losses associated with power outages.
  • Job Creation: The installation and maintenance of solar systems create local jobs, contributing to economic resilience in communities.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change, which can lead to more frequent and severe power outages.
  • Sustainable Development: Investing in solar energy aligns with sustainable development goals, promoting energy security and resilience.

Improved Quality of Life

  • Home Comfort: Solar-powered home systems can keep essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and heating/cooling systems running during outages, maintaining comfort and reducing stress.
  • Business Continuity: For businesses, especially those in critical sectors like food storage, manufacturing, and IT, solar-powered systems ensure that operations continue uninterrupted, minimizing losses.

Government and Utility Incentives

  • Subsidies and Rebates: Many governments offer incentives for installing solar panels and battery storage systems, making it more affordable for individuals and businesses to adopt these solutions.
  • Net Metering: In some regions, excess solar energy can be sold back to the grid, providing an additional financial benefit and encouraging wider adoption of solar energy.

Scalability and Flexibility

  • Modular Systems: Solar systems can be scaled to meet the needs of different applications, from small residential installations to large commercial or industrial setups.
  • Portability: Portable solar panels and battery packs can provide temporary power solutions during emergencies, offering flexibility in disaster response.

Long-Term Energy Security

  • Resilience Against Future Shocks: As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, investing in solar energy and storage systems provides a long-term strategy for energy security and resilience.

Solar panel cost FAQs for Florida

What do solar panels cost in Florida?

The average cost to install solar panels in Florida is $3.05 per watt as of November 2024. For example, a 5kW solar panel system would cost around $15,250 before any incentives. When you include the federal tax incentives, the estimated cost goes down to approximately $10,675.

What incentives are available for solar in Florida?

There are 34 rebates and incentives in Florida through different utilities and government agencies, as well as a 30% federal income tax credit.

What solar financing options are available to me?

The cheapest way to pay for solar panels is with cash. However, financing options are also available and are usually explained in the initial quotes from providers. For instance, you might have options like loans or leases that spread out the cost over time.

Is it worth it to get solar panels in Florida?

Yes, it is worth getting solar panels in Florida. On average, a 5kW system will pay for itself in 6 years and you would save approximately $27,743.30 on electricity over 20 years.

Will Florida pay you to get solar panels?

No, Florida does not pay you to get solar panels. However, all U.S. residents can apply for a 30% federal income tax credit.

Can you get free solar panels in Florida?

No, you cannot get free solar panels in Florida. However, there are plenty of incentives, both federally and statewide, that can make them more affordable. For example, the 30% federal tax credit and state rebates can significantly reduce the cost.