2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in Florida: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in Florida after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 14.0¢/kWh Florida electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
Florida Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($126/mo electric bill at 14.0¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
7.0 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$20,555
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
12.2 years
Without state rebate
$1,512
Estimated annual savings
$48,353
Cumulative before rebate
$27,798
Savings minus system cost
14.0¢/kWh
near average vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,550 kWh/kW/yr
strong · 4.8 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in Florida in 2026?
Florida's 14.0¢/kWh average rate is close to the national average, but the state's exceptional 1,550 kWh/kW/year solar resource — the third-highest among major population states — drives strong economics. Florida's net metering law protects retail-rate credits, and the state exempts solar equipment from sales tax and the added home value from property taxes. With rate increases from major utilities ongoing, paybacks have been improving.
For a typical Florida home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 7.0 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $20,555 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $1,512 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 12.2 years payback period is moderate — within the national average range of 8–12 years. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a Florida homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $48,353 total, for a net benefit of $27,798 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 7.0 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $1,512 | $1,512 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $1,542 | $3,054 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $1,573 | $4,627 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $1,604 | $6,231 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $1,636 | $7,867 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $1,668 | $9,535 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $1,702 | $11,236 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $1,735 | $12,972 |
| Year 9 | 10,375 | $1,770 | $14,742 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $1,805 | $16,547 |
System cost to recover: $20,555. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in Florida (2026)
Florida's net metering program (FS 366.91) guarantees retail-rate credits through 2029. After that, the structure may change based on ongoing rulemaking.
- Retail-rate net metering through 2029 (FS 366.91)
- Sales tax exemption on solar equipment
- Property tax exemption on added home value
- Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate Florida Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to Florida-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,550 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
14.0¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any Florida rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Florida
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.