Florida Solar Panel Cost (2024)
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Florida homeowners can expect to pay between $11,050 to $14,950 for a solar panel system, averaging at $2.60 per watt which is less than the national average. Thanks to sunny weather and state incentives, Florida is one of the best states for switching to solar energy. The price will be even lower after applying tax credits and rebates.
We recently ranked the best solar companies and researched how much solar costs in Florida. See what we found below.
Florida Solar Panel Cost
The average solar panel cost in Florida is $2.60 per watt, which is more affordable than the national average of $2.95. The standard residential solar panel system size is 5 to 6 kilowatts (kW). This is typically enough to cover homeowners’ energy needs. At $2.60 per watt, a 6-kW system would cost roughly $15,600.
Average Cost by System Size
The following table lists average system costs by size.
| System Size | System Cost |
|---|---|
|
3 kW |
$7,800 |
|
4 kW |
$10,400 |
|
5 kW |
$13,000 |
|
6 kW |
$15,600 |
|
7 kW |
$18,200 |
|
8 kW |
$20,800 |
|
9 kW |
$23,400 |
|
10 kW |
$26,000 |
Solar Installation Cost Factors
Several factors determine a solar installation cost, including the following:
- Company: Companies set their own unique installation prices.
- Permitting and interconnection: Most states require a permit to install a system. Utility companies also charge an interconnection fee to connect on-grid systems to the power grid. Your installer will likely handle these tasks, but you’ll be responsible for the fees, which vary by location.
- System size: The larger your system, the longer it takes to install. Expect higher labor costs the more panels you have.
- Your roof: The more dangerous or complicated a roof, such as a steeply sloped roof, the more installers charge to perform the work.
Factors that affect the cost of solar panels themselves consist of:
- Brand: A company’s reputation and product demand will alter pricing.
- Panel quality: Panels that are more efficient and durable are priced higher.
- Panel type: Monocrystalline panels are generally more expensive than polycrystalline and thin-film panels due to their high energy efficiency.
- System size: More panels equal higher cost.
Honoring your budget is important, but prioritize quality as much as possible. Paying more up-front for high-efficiency panels and a reputable installer can save you money and hassle in the long run.
How to Save on Solar Panel Installation
Many states offer incentives to encourage homeowners to switch to solar energy to help reduce the state’s dependence on nonrenewable energy. Florida has multiple ways for residents to save on a solar energy system. Below are the top Florida solar incentives.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The biggest opportunity to save money is with the federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This tax incentive allows you to claim 30% of your total solar system cost on your income taxes the year it’s installed. That means if your gross cost is $15,000, you can receive a reimbursement of $4,500. However, this incentive is only for someone who owns their system via a full cash purchase or solar loan. Anyone who finances a system through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) isn’t eligible.
Florida Net-Metering
Another great financial benefit in the Sunshine State is net-metering. Net-metering is a program many utility companies offer. It allows you to sell the excess energy your system generates to a local power company to supply electricity to the grid. Duke Energy and Florida Power & Light are the top utility companies in Florida participating in net-metering.
Property Tax Exemption
Floridians enjoy lower system costs up-front thanks to the state’s property tax exemption on solar equipment. Installing a solar panel system on your property often increases your home value, which would make your property tax rise. Florida waives your property tax increase when you install a residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system, solar storage system, wind energy system, solar water heater, or geothermal heat pump.
Sales Tax Exemption
Florida residents can also cut costs with the state’s sales tax exemption benefit. Florida waives its 6% sales tax on all solar equipment. Given that most home solar power systems are around $15,000 or higher, this exemption could save you roughly $900 or more in sales tax.
Florida’s Top Solar Installation Company
If you’re ready to talk to a solar provider, we recommend the following companies based on their reputation, pricing, panel selection and performance, and customer reviews.
Sunrun
Sunrun provides customers 24/7 support via an online chat feature on its website and optional insurance to cover stolen or damaged panels. Customers get 25-year product and workmanship warranties and free system repair for 10 years. Financing options include cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs. Sunrun does encourage financing through a solar lease, which we don’t recommend since this disqualifies you from the federal solar investment tax credit.
Our Recommendation
Florida residents have a great opportunity to save money on their electricity bills by switching to clean energy. As an exceptionally sunny state, most property owners will have no trouble generating solar energy. A lower-than-average system cost and solar incentives also give Florida homeowners an advantage.
We recommend SunPower and Sunrun for those wanting to install solar panels in Florida, but there are over 200 solar providers to choose from in the state, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. We suggest thoroughly looking at a company’s website, warranty, reputation, reviews, and customer service before deciding on a provider. We advise getting a quote from at least three providers to compare pricing as well.
Florida Solar Panel Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to have solar panels installed in Florida?
It costs $15,600 on average for a 6-kW system in Florida.
Is going solar worth it in Florida?
Yes. Florida is one of the sunniest states, perfect for solar energy generation. It also offers multiple tax credits and rebate programs to increase your return on investment. Plus, solar panels cost less than the national average in Florida.
Do solar panels add value in Florida?
Yes. A 2019 Zillow study found that solar panels increase home value by over 4% on average.
How much does a 250-watt solar panel system cost?
The average price of a 250-watt solar panel system is $3,910 to $6,490.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on its rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology
