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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Florida particularly well-suited for solar energy? Florida averages 4.5–5.5 peak sun hours daily — among the highest in the southeastern United States — and receives among the most solar radiation of any state east of the Rockies. NREL’s National Solar Radiation Database confirms Florida’s irradiance advantage over most of the country, making residential solar installations highly productive relative to system cost.

Does Florida have net metering for solar homeowners? Yes. Florida has a statewide net metering policy requiring investor-owned utilities to credit solar exports at the full retail rate. Florida’s net metering policy has been stronger than many other Sun Belt states and has not undergone the same successor tariff transitions seen in California, Hawaii, and Nevada as of 2024.

What state incentives exist for Florida solar homeowners? Florida offers a solar property tax exemption (installed solar does not increase assessed property value for tax purposes) and a sales tax exemption on solar equipment purchases. Combined with the 30 percent federal Section 25D credit, Florida homeowners can reduce net solar installation costs by 30–35 percent through incentives alone. DSIRE tracks current eligibility details.

What is the typical payback period for residential solar in Florida? Florida’s combination of high irradiance, retail-rate net metering, and strong federal and state incentives produces some of the best residential solar economics in the country. Cash-purchase payback periods in Florida typically run 6–9 years, below the 7–12 year national range cited in NREL benchmarks, due to higher production and favorable policy environment.

Further Reading from Authoritative Sources