Cost of Solar Panels in Florida (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Florida?

Most installers price systems according to their wattage. “Cost per watt” is similar to the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. The average solar panel installation costs $2.20 per watt in Florida.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Florida

What about the tariffs?

The latest tariffs are definitely pushing solar panel costs up, according to Andrew Lokenauth, a Tampa-based finance expert who has years of experience studying the solar market. Lokenauth estimates that solar panel prices are 15% to 25% higher than last summer.

Many solar panel materials and components are imported.

“Based on my recent supplier discussions, panel prices will likely stay elevated through next winter. That said, I’m seeing many installers absorb some costs to stay competitive,” he told us. Manufacturing improvements and competition are also offsetting some of these increases.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Solar panel installation cost factors in Florida

The equipment is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs. Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar equipment

Solar arrays contain solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories.

• Solar panels: Monocrystalline solar panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and to go off-grid.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Size of your system

The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. The average size of solar systems in Florida is 14.4 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Higher-efficiency panels produce more electricity per square foot. They cost more upfront but can be crucial for homes with limited roof space.

How many solar panels you need is determined by how much electricity your household uses. The average monthly energy consumption is 1,096 kWh in Florida, according to the Energy Information Administration. Depending on efficiency, it takes around 20 to 30 solar panels to generate approximately 1,000 kWh per month.

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. If you want to ensure a seamless installation, get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

For example, Marie in Port St. Lucie had an issue with a company installing solar panels on an old roof and then having to fix it. The company wanted to charge Marie “$150 per panel to take them down so I can get a new roof and put them back up.”

Other cost factors

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, adhering to local building codes can get expensive, according to Andrew Lokenauth, a Tampa-based finance expert with years of experience studying the solar market.

Another “hidden cost” not taken into consideration is that many insurance carriers will not cover properties with solar panels. This is because of risk factors like roof leaks and additional costs to replace a damaged roof with solar panels, according to Menachem Mendel Lipszyc, an insurance claim adjuster in Florida.

• Local utilities: You might run into fees depending on where you live. For example, Duke Energy and FLP both charge minimum usage fees, even if you aren’t pulling in any electricity from the grid.
• Hurricane requirements: Special mounting equipment and additional engineering certifications to make sure solar panel systems can withstand hurricanes added $2,000 to $3,000 to his system cost. Many installers won’t mention this upfront.
• Home insurance: Some people are surprised that their homeowners insurance goes up after they install solar panels. One resident, Trevor in New Port Richey, said his general liability policy is at least $700 with solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it in Florida?

Based on feedback from hundreds of solar customers in Florida, solar energy investments are worth it. “Given Florida's abundant sunshine and my past experiences with hurricanes and power outages, switching to solar felt like a no-brainer to reduce dependency on the grid,” Dwyane in Eustis said.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

Steve in Venice told us his system cost $34,000 overall. He made an $8,800 down payment and now pays $123 per month on the loan (his interest rate is only 1.5%). He expects his monthly bills to stabilize around $150, which is lower than what he was paying before going solar (his bills were up to $350). “I’m not a big tree-hugger guy,” Steve said, “but you can see the writing on the wall.”

But there are potential downsides. The humidity and heat in Florida create some unique challenges, according to Lokenauth. Panels have to be cleaned semi-often. “Plus, you've got to think about how the panels will affect your roof's heat load. I made sure to get the higher efficiency panels (even though they cost more) because they perform better in our brutal summer heat,” he told us.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

How to save money on solar panels in Florida

“Most people think summer installation makes sense, but I've found October through February installations often get you better deals,” Lokenauth said. “The installers are less busy, and you're set up perfectly to maximize production during our peak summer months.” Here are more tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Florida:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in Florida. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value.
• Lower your electrical load: For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load. This means you’ll need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Florida

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most Florida homeowners. The ITC goes toward what you owe on federal income taxes. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the credit reduces your debt to $12,000.

Additional solar incentives in Florida include a sales tax exemption on solar panel systems, water heaters, space heaters and pool heaters. There’s also a 100% property tax abatement for residential solar installations until 2037.

Compare solar installation companies in Florida

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Florida.

FAQ

Bottom line

Installing solar panels in Florida can lead to significant long-term savings. But the actual cost depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your system, equipment choices, permitting requirements, hurricane preparation and insurance. The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Florida and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Florida and nearby states