State solar profile · #7 of 51
Solar in Florida: cost, payback & incentives
What a typical home should expect from solar in Florida - sunshine, electricity rates, modeled payback, and the 4 incentive programs that change the math, built from NREL, EIA, and DSIRE data.
- 5.6
- kWh/m²/day irradiance
- 14.5¢
- avg electricity rate
- 12 yr
- payback (#14)
- 4
- incentive programs
The verdict
Florida scores 47/100 for solar - #7 of 51 - with a modeled 12-year payback and roughly $18,475 net over 25 years on a typical 6 kW system before any incentives.
- 47/100
- solar score (#7)
- 12 yr
- modeled payback (#14)
- $1,423
- modeled annual savings
- full
- net-metering policy
All figures are modeled from public NREL/EIA/DSIRE data for a typical 6 kW system; your result depends on roof, shading, utility tariff, and installer pricing.
Florida at a glance
5.6
irradiance (kWh/m²/day)
14.5¢
electricity rate (per kWh)
$17,100
6 kW system cost
12 yr
est. payback (#14)
9,811
kWh/year (6 kW)
$1,423
annual savings
25-year ROI for a 6 kW system
$17,100
system cost
$1,423/yr
modeled savings
12 yr
break-even
+$18,475
25-year net
Estimates from state averages; actual results vary by system size, roof orientation, shading, utility rate, and installer pricing. Run a personalized estimate →
Installed solar capacity in Florida, 2009–2024
Total solar nameplate capacity in Florida reported to the EIA, utility-scale and reported distributed systems.
Where Florida sits nationally
Every state by sunshine (left-to-right) and payback speed (faster toward the bottom). Florida is highlighted, its position shows whether sun or electricity rates drive its return.
Florida (highlighted): 5.6 kWh/m²/day, 12-yr modeled payback - faster than the national average.
What the data says about solar in Florida
Florida ranks #7 of 51 with a composite solar score of 47/100 (Moderate). The score blends inputs from NREL and EIA: average irradiance of 5.6 kWh/m²/day, residential electricity at 14.5¢/kWh, a turnkey 6 kW installed cost of $17,100 ($2.85/W), and 4 tracked state and utility incentive programs.
On those inputs, a 6 kW array here is modeled to generate roughly 9,811 kWh/year and offset about $1,423 in annual utility spending at the state's average rate, an estimated 12-year simple payback (#14 of 51 for speed to break-even) and a projected +$18,475 net position over a 25-year horizon before utility-rate escalation.
Policy matters as much as physics. Florida's net-metering framework is classified as full, which governs how exported generation is credited, and its renewable portfolio standard is: Voluntary (40% by 2030). The 4 active programs tracked in DSIRE include tax exemption, net metering and rebate types, each can stack to compress payback. Notable programs include FPL SolarTogether, Duke Energy Solar Choice. Note that the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (§25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so state and utility incentives now carry more of the economics, confirm current federal rules with the IRS and your tax advisor.
Solar & grid details
- Net-metering policy
- full
- Renewable portfolio standard
- Voluntary (40% by 2030)
- Installed cost / watt
- $2.85/W
- Annual production (6 kW)
- 9,811 kWh
- Installed capacity (EIA 2024)
- 11.0 GW
- Notable programs
- FPL SolarTogether, Duke Energy Solar Choice
Top incentive programs
4 programs available for Florida residents
All Florida solar incentives (4)
FL Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption
Full property tax exemption
Florida Constitution exempts residential solar systems from property tax assessment.
Tax exemptionFL Solar Sales Tax Exemption
Sales tax exemption
Solar energy equipment for residential use is exempt from Florida sales tax.
Net meteringFL Net Metering
Retail rate credit (through 2029)
Florida utilities provide full retail net metering. After 2029, transitioning to avoided cost.
Authorized through 2029-12-31
RebateFPL SolarTogether Community Solar
Bill credits for subscribers
FPL SolarTogether allows customers without rooftop access to subscribe to community solar.
Your next step
How to act on Florida's numbers.
- Run the savings calculator with your real electricity bill, the figures above use state averages, not your usage. Calculate for Florida
- Check net-metering and SREC value before signing, in a "full" state, export compensation often decides the return. Net-metering guide
- Stack Florida's 4 incentive programs, each lowers net cost or raises annual return. See all programs
Modeled estimates from public data, not financial advice; a binding figure requires a site-specific assessment from a licensed installer.
Solar resource from NREL; electricity rates and installed capacity from the U.S. EIA; incentive programs from DSIRE. See our methodology.