Cost of Going Solar in Florida

The Cost of Going Solar in Florida in 2025

The Sunshine State enjoys one of the highest solar potentials in the country. With long summers, high humidity, and a heavy reliance on air conditioning, electricity demand in Florida is consistently high. As energy prices climb, many homeowners are turning to solar as both a cost-saving measure and a way to build resilience in a hurricane-prone region.

In 2025, the average Florida solar cost for a system large enough to meet the electricity needs of a typical household, about 9 to 10 kilowatts (kW), ranges from $28,000 to $34,000 before incentives. After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net outlay falls closer to $19,600 to $23,800. While Florida does not offer statewide solar rebates, homeowners benefit from the ITC, property tax exemptions, and various local utility programs.

However, if the federal ITC is reduced or expires after December 31, 2025, the cost of solar panel installation in Florida will rise significantly. For example, a system that costs $21,000 after incentives in 2025 could climb to $30,000 or more without the tax credit. Understanding how costs are broken down, what incentives are available, and how solar saves money is crucial for Floridians considering this long-term investment.

Solar Cost Basics

Breaking down the solar cost in Florida involves looking at two major categories: hardware costs and solar soft costs. Hardware includes the equipment that physically generates and stores solar energy, while soft costs cover labor, permitting, and other services. Florida’s unique environment, marked by hurricanes, high humidity, and strong sun, directly impacts both categories.

Hardware Costs

Hardware accounts for roughly 50 to 60% of the total cost of solar power in Florida. These costs come from the equipment that powers the system.

Cost of solar panels: Solar modules themselves are the single largest hardware expense. In Florida, monocrystalline panels are preferred because they perform better in hot, humid conditions and are more efficient in limited roof space compared to polycrystalline options. Brand, efficiency, and warranty length also influence the final price
Inverters: Solar systems require inverters to convert direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC). In Florida, homeowners may choose between string inverters, microinverters, or hybrid inverters compatible with batteries. Hybrid models are increasingly popular as storage grows in demand
Solar battery/battery bank/home battery storage: While optional, batteries are gaining traction in Florida. They provide backup power during outages, a key benefit in a state where hurricanes frequently disrupt the grid. Pairing solar panels with a home battery storage system ensures energy resilience and greater independence from utilities
Racking and mounting equipment: Florida’s strict building codes require racking systems designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Reinforced roof attachments and durable mounting hardware are essential to secure panels against storms
Wiring and electrical gear: These components are necessary to safely connect the solar system to the home’s electrical infrastructure. In Florida’s humid climate, installers often use weather-resistant wiring and enclosures to prevent corrosion

Hardware is the backbone of any solar project, and in Florida, equipment is engineered with resilience and durability in mind.

Solar Soft Costs

Soft costs make up 35 to 45% of the total cost of solar installation in Florida. These are the behind-the-scenes expenses that allow systems to be designed, permitted, and financed.

Labor: Labor includes system design, permitting paperwork, and physical installation. In cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, labor costs are moderate due to competition. In smaller towns or coastal areas, fewer installers can drive costs higher
Permitting and inspection fees: Local governments regulate solar projects, and each municipality has its own rules. For example, Miami-Dade County enforces strict building codes for hurricane protection, while Orlando and Tampa have separate approval processes. These fees can add hundreds of dollars to project costs
Sales, marketing, and overhead: These business expenses cover the cost of customer acquisition, office operations, and installer insurance. They vary significantly depending on whether the company is a large national installer or a smaller local provider
Financing expenses: When using solar loans or power purchase agreements (PPAs), homeowners may encounter origination fees, dealer fees, or higher interest rates. Over time, these charges add to the total Florida solar cost

By understanding soft costs, homeowners can better evaluate quotes and select installers who offer transparent, efficient services.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florida in 2025?

In 2025, the average solar panel cost in Florida is $2.40 to $2.80 per watt. This makes solar energy slightly more expensive than in some neighboring states, largely due to stricter building codes and higher hurricane-resistant equipment standards.

A 6 kW system typically costs $14,400 to $16,800 before incentives
A 10 kW system ranges from $24,000 to $28,000 before incentives

Factors Influencing Panel Prices

Type of panel: Monocrystalline panels cost more but can handle Florida’s heat and humidity better than polycrystalline or thin-film panels
System size: Larger installations often benefit from economies of scale, lowering the cost per watt, even though the total system cost rises
Roof structure and shading: Homes with complex rooflines or heavy shading from trees face higher labor and equipment costs. Shading issues also increase the likelihood of choosing microinverters over string inverters, which are more expensive
Local installer competition: In metro areas like Orlando and Miami, more competition among solar companies helps reduce installation costs compared to rural regions

These factors explain why homeowners may receive very different quotes for the same system size depending on their home’s design and location.

Average Cost of Solar Batteries in Florida

Adding a solar battery increases the total cost of solar panel installation in Florida, but it also boosts resilience and energy independence. In 2025, the average solar battery cost in Florida ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

A 10 kWh solar battery costs about $11,000 to $14,000
A 13 kWh solar battery bank suitable for partial backup during outages runs $14,500 to $18,000

Factors Affecting Solar Battery Cost

Battery type: Lithium-ion batteries dominate the Florida market because of their durability, long lifespan, and efficiency during high-demand situations like hurricanes. Lead-acid batteries remain cheaper but offer lower performance
Capacity: Higher-capacity batteries are more expensive upfront but provide extended backup power, which is valuable during prolonged grid outages
Installation complexity: Adding a battery during an initial solar installation is typically cheaper than retrofitting an existing system
Hurricane resilience: Florida installers often recommend enclosures or protective casings to safeguard batteries against flooding and high winds, adding to costs

For Floridians, batteries are less of a luxury and more of a necessity, especially in coastal areas frequently hit by storms.

How to Lower Solar Cost in Florida

Despite high upfront expenses, several programs and policies help homeowners reduce the Florida solar cost:

Federal ITC: Provides a 30% credit through 2025, dramatically cutting costs
Property tax exemption: Florida exempts solar systems from property tax assessments, ensuring that solar panels will not raise your annual tax bill
Utility programs: Utilities such as Tampa Electric, Florida Power & Light, and the Orlando Utilities Commission may offer rebates or net metering credits, further reducing costs
Hurricane resilience programs: Certain counties provide grants or financing support for home upgrades that include solar and energy storage, recognizing the importance of resilience in disaster recovery

These Florida solar incentives make solar more affordable while promoting energy independence in the state.

Paying for Solar Installation in Florida

Homeowners considering solar panel installation in Florida have the following financing options:

Cash purchase: Requires a large upfront payment but offers maximum savings. Owners capture all incentives and avoid interest charges, resulting in the shortest payback period
Solar loan: Allows homeowners to own the system with little or no upfront cost. Loan payments are often comparable to or lower than monthly utility bills, making solar more accessible
Solar lease/Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Lets homeowners go solar without buying the system outright. This is ideal for people who plan to move in a few years or who prefer lower upfront costs. However, long-term savings are typically smaller compared to ownership

Choosing the right financing option depends on budget, credit, and long-term housing plans.

How Much Money Can I Save by Going Solar in Florida?

The potential savings from going solar in Florida are substantial. A typical 9 kW system can save homeowners $1,200 to $1,600 per year in electricity bills, depending on location and utility rates.

With the ITC in place, the payback period is typically 8 to 10 years
Without the ITC after 2025, the payback period extends to 11 to 13 years
Over a 25-year system lifespan, total savings can exceed $25,000 to $40,000, particularly for homes that add solar battery storage