Is solar worth it for retirees in Florida?

That's the key question. In our estimate, a 9.6 kW system for a $200 monthly FPL bill costs about $25,900 to buy outright, saves about $2,012 in the first year and pays for itself in about 12.9 years. If you expect to stay at least that long, the savings after that are yours.

If you might sell sooner, owned solar can still add value: a Berkeley Lab study found buyers paid more for homes with owned systems, and Florida keeps that added value out of your property tax assessment. See does solar increase home value in Florida and is solar worth it in Florida.

If you split the year between Florida and another home, see solar for a second home in Florida.

Partly. Once panels are paid for, the power they make doesn't get more expensive. FPL's four-year rate agreement, approved in late 2025, raises base rates through 2029, and Tampa Electric's bills went up in January 2026. Duke Energy Florida bills fell in 2026 when a storm charge ended, so increases aren't guaranteed every year.

The $30 minimum bill at FPL and Duke still applies with solar. See why your FPL bill is so high.

• Cash avoids interest and dealer fees and gives the fastest payback, if it fits your savings.
• Solar loans often run 8 to 25 years, and the CFPB found dealer fees can add 30% or more to the price. A 25-year loan may outlast your time in the home. Federal law bars lenders from discriminating based on age.
• Leases cost nothing upfront, but a buyer or your heirs must take over the lease or pay it off, and some lease payments rise each year.

If you have a reverse mortgage, talk to your servicer before adding any lien. HUD doesn't allow an FHA-insured reverse mortgage on a home that stays encumbered by a PACE lien. See solar loans in Florida and solar lease vs. buy.

• Don't sign the same day. The FTC warns against anyone rushing you to sign, or asking you to sign on a tablet without seeing the full contract.
• There's no free government solar program. AARP warns that pitches claiming one are a red flag.
• Watch for payments that rise. Treasury warns that low early payments can hide higher later bills.
• Know your three days. Florida law (s. 501.025) lets you cancel a sale signed at home until midnight of the third business day, in writing.

Florida's attorney general says home solar complaints rose about 700% since 2019, and its suit against MC Solar alleged the company targeted seniors. Under s. 501.2077, deceptive practices that victimize anyone 60 or older carry civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation. See how to choose a solar company in Florida.

Yes. A home battery can keep essentials like the refrigerator, lights, fans and some air conditioning running when the grid is down. If you or someone in your home has special needs during evacuations, Florida counties also keep a special needs shelter registry; registration doesn't guarantee a spot, so register early. See solar battery backup for hurricanes.