Solar Panels in Florida

Solar power is one of the most promising energy sources available today. By harnessing the free and abundant power of the sun, solar energy can provide power to homes and businesses in a cleaner and more sustainable way. Even better, advances in technology and changing energy regulations have made solar power more affordable than ever before.

Learn more how to save money by installing solar panels in Florida, and why solar is a great investment.

Because it requires hours of strong and direct sunlight to generate electricity properly, solar power is best used in states with lots of sunshine and clear skies. As its Sunshine State moniker suggests, Florida certainly fits that description. In fact, the potential for solar power Florida ranks the state third in the entire United States! Despite the abundant solar energy waiting to be utilized, however, solar panels Florida are surprisingly less common than you might think.

The state ranks just 12th in terms of the total amount of solar energy capacity that’s been installed. There are approximately 24,000 installations across the state, powering about 221,000 homes and generating just over half a percent of the state’s total energy output. Those aren’t very impressive numbers for a state with so much available sunshine, but that could be about to change in a big way.

It’s clear that solar power has yet to take off in the Sunshine State, but most analysts are forecasting a huge increase in the rate of solar panel installation Florida in the near future. One reason for this is a recent decision by state regulators to allow solar energy companies to lease panels to homeowners in the state. Now that solar panels are more accessible, the more than 270 solar panel installers in Florida are expecting a huge increase in residential solar installation in the coming years.

In fact, industry projections indicate that Florida will add more than 4,836 megawatts of solar energy capacity over the next five years. That ranks the state second in the country, making it a great place for anyone hoping to make the leap to solar power. Considering Florida is second in the country in the amount of electricity generated each year, the potential of solar power Florida is undeniable. Adding to the appeal is the fact that solar power systems have fallen in cost by 53 percent over the last five years.

Are solar panels worth it in Florida? There’s no doubt that the Sunshine State offers more than enough solar energy to keep the power flowing all year long, but that doesn’t mean anything if the investment doesn’t make sense financially. Fortunately, the good news is that there are a number of incentives aimed at making solar power Florida more affordable for the average homeowner. Take a look at a few of the ways solar panel installers in Florida are able to keep costs down.

One of the hidden costs of buying a new residential solar energy system is the taxes. In particular, property and sales taxes often add up and substantially increase the total cost of your system. In some states, the home value gained by installing a solar system can significantly raise your property taxes come tax time. In Florida, however, a program called the Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property ensures that you won’t pay a cent in extra property taxes no matter how much your home increases in value.

Similarly, sales taxes can add an unpleasant surprise to the cost of a solar energy system in some states. Florida does away with this expense thanks to the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption. This program exempts Florida solar panels and other system components from the typical state sales tax of six percent.

Other Incentives

In addition to the many ways that Florida makes solar power more affordable, there is also a key federal incentive that can reduce the cost of solar energy in Florida. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC), more commonly referred to as the federal solar tax credit, is a federal tax rebate that covers most residential solar energy systems. The rebate provides a credit that covers 30 percent of the system’s cost, so the ITC represents a huge incentive when you decide to go solar. Bear in mind, however, that the ITC only applies to solar systems that have been purchased outright with cash or a solar loan.

When it comes to solar Florida is set to be one of the leading states in the nation. Its sunny climate and favorable regulations make solar a winning choice for many homeowners. The variety of tax breaks and other money-saving incentives only make it an easier choice. Simply put, there’s never been a better time to go solar in the Sunshine State.

Interested in getting exact prices for the cost of solar for your home? Get competitive solar quotes from qualified, trusted installers in your area. To see an estimate for how much you could expect to save and how much a solar system would cost, try our solar calculator.