Florida solar guides
What Florida homeowners need to know before going solar, written for FPL, Duke Energy and TECO customers.
Florida solar incentives in 2026
Florida never had big solar rebates, and the federal homeowner credit is gone. What's left is still worth real money: net metering, two tax exemptions and strong HOA rights.
How net metering works in Florida
Florida is one of the few big solar states that still credits home solar at the full retail rate. Here's how the credits work, what the utilities charge to connect, and why sizing matters.
How much do solar panels cost in Florida?
Florida solar prices are below the national average per watt, but there are no rebates to lower them. Here's what a system costs by size and bill, and what adds to the price.
Is solar worth it in Florida?
Florida has strong sun and full-retail net metering, but no rebates and no federal credit for owners. Here's how the math works out, and the cases where solar isn't worth it.
Why is my FPL bill so high?
FPL bills climbed in 2026 and will rise again in 2027. Here's what's behind your bill, line by line, and what actually brings it down.
Why is my Duke Energy Florida bill so high?
Duke Energy Florida bills swung hard over the last two years. Here's what drove them up, why they came down in 2026, and what actually lowers yours.
Why is my Tampa Electric (TECO) bill so high?
Tampa Electric bills hit a high in early 2026 and came down in August. Here's what's behind your TECO bill and what actually lowers it.
Solar battery backup for hurricane season in Florida
After Milton, millions of Florida homes waited days for power. Here's what a solar battery can keep running, how big a system you need, and what it costs.
Generator vs. solar battery: which is better in Florida?
Both keep the lights on after a hurricane, but they work very differently. Here's how a standby generator and a solar battery compare for a Florida home.
How much does a home battery cost in Florida?
Batteries are the main way Florida homeowners keep power through hurricane outages. Here's what they cost in 2026, how the popular models compare, and which breaks apply.
Can solar panels survive a hurricane in Florida?
Florida has now put millions of solar panels through Ian, Helene and Milton. Here's what held up, what failed and why, and how to make sure your system is built to stay on the roof.
Should you lease or buy solar in Florida?
The end of the homeowner tax credit pushed many Florida installers toward leases. Here's how a lease compares with buying, what to check in the contract, and when each makes sense.
Best home batteries for Florida hurricane backup
Specs that matter in Ohio don't all matter in Florida. Here's how the main home batteries compare on what counts here: running central air, surviving heat and flooding, and charging up before a storm.
Does solar affect homeowners insurance in Florida?
Insurance is the question that stalls more Florida solar projects than any other. Here's what insurers do with solar homes, the state rules that protect you, and what to check before you install.
How many solar panels do I need in Florida?
Panel count comes down to three numbers: how much electricity you use, how much sun your part of Florida gets, and the panel size. Here's how to work it out for your home.
How to choose a solar company in Florida
The installer matters as much as the panels. Here's how to check a Florida solar company's license, compare quotes, protect your warranty and spot a bad deal before you sign.
Can you put solar panels on a tile roof in Florida?
Tile roofs are everywhere in Florida's newer neighborhoods. Here's how solar goes on them, why it costs more than shingle, and when to replace the roof first.
FPL SolarTogether vs. rooftop solar
FPL offers a solar subscription that needs no panels on your roof. Here's how its 2026 charges and credits compare with owning a rooftop system, and when each one makes sense.
Solar panels and batteries in a Florida flood zone
Flooding, not wind, is the biggest threat to a solar and battery system in coastal Florida. Here's what the building code, FEMA's 50% rule, flood insurance and the battery makers say, and how to plan around it.
Does solar increase home value in Florida?
Owned solar usually adds value to a Florida home, but how much depends on the study, who owns the panels and how they were financed. Here's what the data shows and how to get credit for it when you sell.
Solar and EV charging in Florida
Florida is the No. 2 state for electric vehicles, behind only California. Here's how much solar an EV adds, how charging works with net metering and your utility's EV plans, and how a car and a home battery work together in an outage.
The best solar panels for Florida
Most quotes name a panel brand, and the differences that matter in Florida are heat, warranty terms and the company behind them. Here's how the main brands compare, using their own datasheets.
Solar loans in Florida: dealer fees and what to ask
Most Florida solar quotes come with a loan offer. Here's how those loans work, where the hidden costs are, what changed when the federal tax credit ended, and the questions to ask before you sign.
Solar for a Florida second home or snowbird home
Many Florida homes sit empty for part of the year. Here's how solar and batteries work when you're not there: net metering across the seasons, the bills you'll still pay, taxes, insurance and storm prep.
Solar for Florida homes with a pool
A pool can be one of the biggest electric loads in a Florida home. Here's how much it uses, how to cut that before you size solar, the best ways to heat a pool, and how a pool fits with a home battery.
Can you get a home battery without solar in Florida?
Some Florida homeowners want backup power but aren't ready for panels, or have a shaded roof. Here's how a battery-only system works, what it can and can't do in an outage, and the costs to weigh.
How long does solar installation take in Florida?
Here's each step from signing a solar contract to turning the system on in Florida, what the law and your utility require at each one, and where projects usually wait.
Solar panels on a metal roof in Florida
Metal roofs are popular in Florida for hurricane resistance, and they pair well with solar. Here's how panels attach to each kind of metal roof, what Florida code requires, and what to ask your installer.
Microinverters vs. string inverters in Florida
Every solar quote names an inverter, the part that turns the panels' DC power into AC for your home. Here's how the main types compare in Florida's heat, with batteries and in outages.
Do I need a new electrical panel for solar in Florida?
Many Florida solar quotes include a main panel upgrade, and it can add thousands of dollars. Here's when it's actually required, the alternatives, and what a battery changes.
Is solar worth it for retirees in Florida?
More than one in five Floridians is 65 or older. Here's how to judge whether solar pays off on a retirement timeline, how to pay for it, and how to avoid the sales tactics that target older homeowners.
Ground-mounted solar for Florida homes on acreage
If you live on a big rural lot, as in The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves or Jupiter Farms, the panels don't have to go on the roof. Here's how ground-mounted solar works in Florida and what it takes to permit one.
Florida HOA solar rules: what your association can and can't do
About 9.5 million Floridians live in community associations. Here's what Florida's solar rights law protects, what your HOA can still decide, and how to get through architectural review smoothly.
Buying a Florida home with solar: what to ask
More Florida homes for sale come with solar already on the roof. Here's how to tell what you're getting, what to ask the seller, and how builder-installed solar in new communities has worked.
Solar over 10 kW in Florida: Tier 2 rules for big homes
Large Florida homes with pools, EVs and big air conditioning loads often need more than 10 kW of solar. Here's what changes when a system crosses into Tier 2, and how to decide whether it's worth it.
Tesla Solar Roof in Florida: what to know now
Tesla's solar tile roof drew a lot of interest in Florida. Here's what changed in 2026, what it means for homes that already have one, and what to consider instead.
Solar water heaters in Florida: are they worth it?
Florida has a long history with solar water heating. Here's what a solar water heater saves, how it compares with a heat pump water heater on solar panels, and which incentives still apply.
Solar panels on a flat roof in Florida
Flat and low-slope roofs are common on modern and mid-century Florida homes. Here's how solar goes on them, what changes in Miami-Dade and Broward, and what to check before you sign.
Solar carports and pergolas in Florida
If your roof is shaded, aging or already crowded, a solar carport or pergola can hold the panels instead. Here's what they cost, what Florida permits require, and how HOAs and tax breaks treat them.
Removing and reinstalling solar panels for a new roof in Florida
Florida roofs get replaced often, for storms, age and insurance. If your home already has solar, here's what it costs to take the panels off and put them back, and how to avoid the common mistakes.
FPL time-of-use rates with solar and batteries
Time-of-use pricing is one of the few ways a home battery can save money in Florida, not just provide backup. Here's how FPL's plan works, what Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric customers should know, and when it's worth it.
How to read your electric bill after going solar in Florida
Your first bills after going solar can be confusing. Here's what the numbers mean on FPL, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric bills, why the total isn't zero, and what happens to extra credit at year end.
Average electric bill in Florida in 2026
How does your bill compare? Here are the latest statewide averages, what a typical 1,000 kWh month costs on each of Florida's big three utilities, and why big homes with pools and long AC seasons pay more.
Should I replace my AC or go solar first in Florida?
In Florida the air conditioner drives the electric bill. Here's how to decide between a new AC and solar, which utility rebates apply in 2026, and why doing both in the right order saves money.
Adding a battery to your existing solar in Florida
Many Florida homes went solar without a battery and found out during a hurricane that their panels shut off with the grid. Here's how adding a battery works, which systems fit, and what the utility and building department need.
How long do solar panels last in Florida?
Florida's heat, salt air and storms are tougher on equipment than most places. Here's what the research says about how long panels, inverters and batteries last here, and how to protect a coastal system.
Duke Clean Energy Connection vs. rooftop solar
Duke Energy Florida customers can subscribe to solar instead of putting panels on the roof. Here's how Clean Energy Connection works, how long it takes to pay off, and when rooftop solar is the better choice.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Florida?
After a long hurricane outage, going fully off the grid can sound appealing. Here's what it takes in Florida, what it costs, and the smarter middle ground most homeowners choose.
Florida's 2026 building code and home solar
Florida updates its building code every three years, and the next edition arrives at the end of 2026. Here's what it means for rooftop solar and home batteries, and whether timing your permit matters.
Lightning and solar panels in Florida
Florida is one of the most lightning-prone places in the country. Here's what that means for rooftop solar and home batteries, and the simple steps that protect them.
Trees and solar panels in Florida
Live oaks and palms are part of why Florida neighborhoods are worth living in, and also why some roofs underperform with solar. Here's how shade affects output and what the law says about trimming or removing trees.
Will solar panel prices go up in 2027?
A new federal tariff on imported solar panels and cells takes effect in December 2026. Here's what changes, what it could mean for a Florida home system, and how to think about timing.
Why don't my solar panels work in a power outage?
After every Florida storm, solar owners ask why their panels went dark with the grid. Here's the safety rule behind it and the ways to keep power on next time.
My solar company went out of business: what now?
Installer bankruptcies have left many Florida homeowners without anyone to call. Here's what still protects you and how to get your system serviced.
Adding solar panels to an existing system in Florida
Bought an EV, added a pool or just want a smaller bill? Here's what it takes to expand a Florida solar system without tripping utility fees or warranty problems.
Florida utility programs that pay you in 2026
Florida's utilities don't offer solar or battery rebates, but each has a program that pays bill credits for easing demand on hot afternoons. Here's what they pay and the catch with each.
Florida home solar statistics (2026)
The key numbers on Florida's home solar market, each with its source and date, for homeowners, reporters and anyone comparing Florida with other states.
Moving to Florida: how solar is different from California, New York and New Jersey
If you had solar up north or out west, some of what you know carries over and some doesn't. Here's what changes when you buy a home in Florida.
New roof from an insurance claim? When to add solar in Florida
After a storm, many Florida homeowners end up with a brand-new roof. That's the best moment to plan solar. Here's how roof claims work and how to sequence the two jobs.
Why is my electric bill so high in winter in Florida?
Florida homes are built to cool, not heat, so a few cold weeks can produce a surprisingly big bill. Here's what drives winter bills on FPL, Duke and Tampa Electric and how to keep them down.
Florida home solar by county (2025 data)
FPL's annual report to the Public Service Commission lists every customer-owned solar system it serves by county. We counted them so you can see where Florida's solar homes are and how fast each county is growing.
FPL underground power lines: do you still need a battery?
FPL is burying neighborhood power lines across Florida. Here's what the program covers, what to expect if your street is picked, and what buried lines can and can't do in a hurricane.
Florida solar scams: red flags, fake FPL reps and how to cancel
Most Florida installers are legitimate, but misleading door-to-door and phone pitches are common and growing. Here are the red flags, what Florida law requires, and how to get out of a bad contract.
Will solar panels raise my property taxes in Florida?
Solar can add real value to a Florida home. Here's why that value doesn't show up on your property tax bill, what counts, and what the 2026 Amendment 3 vote changes.
Are data centers raising your FPL bill?
AI data centers are pushing up power demand across the country, and FPL expects a share of it. Here's what Florida has done so the cost doesn't land on your bill, where the risks are, and what you can control.
Florida hurricane power outages since 2016, storm by storm
How long you'll be without power after a hurricane depends on the storm, your street and your utility. Here's what happened to FPL customers in every major storm since 2016, and what it cost on bills afterward.
How to read a Florida solar quote, line by line
Solar quotes are built to make the monthly number look good. Here's what each line on a Florida quote should say, what should make you stop, and the paperwork Florida law requires before you sign.
Battery backup for a well pump in Florida
On acreage in western Palm Beach, Broward or Brevard, an outage doesn't just turn off the lights: the well stops too. Here's how to keep water flowing with a battery, and what to do if the well floods.
Solar on a townhouse in Florida
Townhouse owners pay the same high FPL bills as everyone else, but a shared building and an HOA can make solar feel off-limits. Here's what Florida law actually allows and what limits how much fits.
Does solar void my roof warranty in Florida?
Your roof is the most expensive thing solar gets bolted to. Here's what Florida roof warranties actually cover once panels go on, who pays if it leaks, and what to get in writing first.
Solar in FPL's Northwest Florida area (former Gulf Power)
If you live in Pensacola, Destin or Panama City Beach, your bill says FPL now, but some rules and charges still trace back to Gulf Power. Here's what changed, what solar earns you here and what's coming in 2027.
Is solar a good investment in Florida?
Solar pays you back in lower electric bills instead of interest or dividends. Here's the yearly return it earns for FPL, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric homeowners, and how that stacks up against other places to put the money.
Can you lease a home battery in Florida?
With the homeowner tax credit gone, $0-down battery leases are spreading. Here's who offers them in Florida, why they're legal here, what they cost next to buying and the fine print to check.
How do I get my FPL, Duke or TECO usage history for a solar quote?
A solar quote is only as good as the usage behind it. Here's where Florida's three big utilities show your monthly and hourly kWh, what to copy off your bill, and the mistakes that throw a quote off.
How do I add solar to a new build or remodel in Florida?
A new build or big remodel is the cheapest moment to plan for solar. Here's what to ask your builder for, the order the work should go in, how utility approval works before you have a bill, and which tax breaks still apply.
Solar on historic homes in Florida: what's allowed?
Historic districts hold some of Florida's finest homes, and their owners pay the same high electric bills as everyone else. Here's how historic review treats solar, where boards tend to say yes, and how to walk in prepared.
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