If you are paying electric bills of $200, $300 or more every month in Florida, you have probably already asked yourself: what would it cost me to go solar? The answer in 2026 is more favorable than you think, though the incentive picture changed this year.
In this guide I give you the real numbers, with no fine print, so you can make an informed decision.
Before you sign with any solar company, get an independent second opinion. I will review your usage, your roof and the proposals you receive, and tell you whether solar is truly a good decision for your home. No cost, no commitment.
The Real Cost in 2026
The average Florida home needs a system of about 14.6 kW to cover its electricity usage. Here is what that costs:
| System Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small system (8-10 kW) | $19,000 - $32,000 |
| Average system (10-12 kW) | $24,000 - $38,000 |
| Full system (14-15 kW) | $33,000 - $48,000 |
The price per watt in Florida runs between $2.40 and $3.20, depending on panel type, how complex your roof is, and the installer. The right size depends on your actual usage — a properly sized system is the key to solar working for you.
The 30% federal tax credit no longer applies to new installations. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for residential systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
If your system was installed and placed in service before that date, you can still claim the 30% on your tax return, as long as you meet the requirements. If your installation is completed in 2026 or later, that credit is no longer available to you. What counts is the date the installation was completed, not when you signed the contract or paid a deposit.
Many solar companies still use that 30% in their proposals to make the numbers look better. If you are shown a price "after tax credit", ask them to clarify. Check your situation with your tax preparer, and get an independent second opinion before you sign.
The Incentives Florida Still Has
Even though the federal tax credit is gone, Florida still offers meaningful benefits:
- Sales tax exemption: You do not pay the 6% state sales tax on your solar system. On a $31,400 system, that saves you nearly $1,900.
- Property tax exemption: Your solar system raises your home value but you do NOT pay more property tax for it. A 100% exemption.
- Net metering: Every kWh your system produces that you do not use is credited to your account. Credits roll over month to month, subject to your utility's current rules.
How Much Will You Save?
With an average bill of $250/month, a properly sized system can eliminate between 80% and 100% of your electric bill:
| Without Solar | With Solar |
|---|---|
| Monthly bill: $250 | Monthly bill: $10-$30 |
| Annual spend: $3,000 | Annual spend: $120-$360 |
| 25-year spend: $75,000+ | Total investment: $24,000-$38,000 |
Even without the federal tax credit, the numbers still work. Most Florida homeowners recover their investment in 8 to 12 years depending on usage and rate. After that, electricity costs you essentially nothing for another 13 to 17 years, which is what remains of the panels' warranted service life.
Why Solar Still Makes Sense in 2026
The federal credit was a push, not the reason. Without it, these are the real reasons a Florida home goes solar:
- Bills keep climbing: what you pay your utility today is not what you will be paying in ten years.
- Protection against future rate increases: your cost per kWh is locked in the day you install.
- Backup during outages: with batteries, your home keeps running when the neighborhood goes dark.
- Monthly savings from the first bill: you do not wait years to notice it.
- Long-term home value: and in Florida that added value pays no property tax.
- Independent advice: someone who tells you the truth, even when the truth is that solar is not right for you.
Already Received a Solar Proposal?
Many families sign with the first company that knocks on their door without knowing whether the system offered is the right one, whether the price is fair, or whether the numbers they are shown are real. That mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.
Before you sign with any solar company, get an independent second opinion. I will review your usage, your roof and the proposals you receive, and tell you whether solar is truly a good decision for your home. My consulting comes at no cost and with no commitment.
Already Have Solar But Do Not See the Savings?
If you already installed panels but your bill is still high, or you feel something is off, your system may not be optimized, it may have been sized incorrectly, or you may not be using all the benefits available to you.
Many homes have solar but are not getting 100% of what they should. I review your current system and make sure you are receiving every benefit — at no cost.
Before You Sign, Talk to Me
I will review your usage, your roof and the proposals you receive.
I will tell you whether solar is truly a good decision for your home.
Consulting online or in person, whichever you prefer.
Get Your Second OpinionFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florida in 2026?
An average 10-12 kW system costs between $24,000 and $38,000. Prices vary from $2.40 to $3.20 per watt depending on panel type and installation complexity. Florida offers a sales tax exemption and a property tax exemption that lower the effective cost.
Is there a federal tax credit for solar in 2026?
Not for new installations. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If your system was placed in service before that date, you can still claim the 30% on your return. If it is installed in 2026 or later, it no longer applies. The date that matters is when installation was completed, not when you signed. Check your situation with your tax preparer.
Does Florida have net metering in 2026?
Yes. Florida keeps net metering. Excess energy is credited to your account and credits roll over month to month, subject to your utility's current rules.
How many years until my investment pays off?
Most Florida homeowners recover their investment in 8 to 12 years, depending on usage and rate. After that, electricity costs you essentially nothing for the rest of the system life (25+ years).
Should I get a second opinion before signing?
Absolutely. Before you sign with any solar company, get an independent second opinion. I will review your usage, your roof and the proposals you receive to tell you whether solar is truly a good decision for your home.