Excellent sun and tax exemptions; net metering rules vary by utility post-2024 changes.
Avg residential rate14¢ / kWh
Avg system cost$2.65 / W ($29,150 for 11 kW)
Peak sun hours / day5.5
Net meteringPartial Net Metering
State tax creditNone
Federal tax credit30% (Residential Clean Energy Credit, through 2032)
Property tax exemptionYes
Sales tax exemptionYes
Florida payback by monthly electric bill
The bigger your current bill, the faster solar pays back. Here's how the numbers work out for a typical Florida home:
Monthly bill
System size
Gross cost
Federal credit
State credit
Net cost
Year-1 savings
Payback
$100
5.2 kW
$13,780
−$4,134
$0
$9,646
$1,140
7.8 yr
$150
7.8 kW
$20,670
−$6,201
$0
$14,469
$1,710
7.8 yr
$200
10.4 kW
$27,560
−$8,268
$0
$19,292
$2,280
7.8 yr
$300
15.6 kW
$41,340
−$12,402
$0
$28,938
$3,420
7.8 yr
Assumes 95% bill offset, 3% annual rate inflation, 0.5% annual panel degradation, and a 25-year system life.
Calculate your exact Florida solar payback
Enter your real monthly electric bill to see your personalized payback estimate.
Best path forward in Florida
The fastest, free way to see real installer quotes for your roof is to use a marketplace like EnergySage. You'll get up to 4 competing bids from local pros without phone harassment.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves in Florida?
For a typical Florida home with a $150/month electric bill, a 7.8 kW system pays for itself in about 7.8 years. Higher bills (or higher state incentives) shorten this; lower bills lengthen it.
What's the average cost of solar panels in Florida?
Florida installers average $2.65 per watt before incentives. A typical 11 kW system costs roughly $29,150 gross, or about $14,469 after federal and state credits.
Does Florida offer a state solar tax credit?
Florida does not offer a state-level solar tax credit. However, the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit still applies, and there may be utility rebates in your service area.
Does Florida have net metering?
Florida has partial net metering. Excess generation is credited, but at a reduced rate or with caps on system size or aggregate program capacity. Check your utility's specific rules.
Are solar panels worth it in Florida in 2026?
For most Florida homeowners with a monthly electric bill above $100, the answer is yes — payback typically lands between 5.5 and 10.1 years depending on roof orientation, shade, and incentive timing. The 30% federal credit is locked in through 2032, removing a major timing risk.