Is solar worth it in Florida?

In our estimates, a cash purchase pays for itself in about 11 to 13 years on Florida's three big utilities, and keeps saving after that.

Put another way, the FPL example works out to about a 7.8% yearly return over 25 years if rates rise 2.5% a year, close to Florida's 10-year average. Payback stays about the same for bigger bills, because each kWh is credited at the full rate; homes using more than 1,000 kWh a month pay about 2¢ more per kWh on the extra, so they often do a little better.

Panels keep producing for decades; see how long solar panels last in Florida.

For how many Florida homes already have solar, see Florida solar statistics.

• Heavy shade. In our estimates, a heavily shaded roof makes about 30% less power, which stretches payback well past 15 years.
• A small bill. FPL and Duke keep a $30 minimum bill that solar can't lower, so a $70 bill leaves little to save.
• An aging roof. If the roof needs replacing soon, do it first, or you'll pay to remove and reinstall the panels.
• A short stay. If you'll move in a few years, a purchase may not pay back first, though owned solar can help a sale.
• A city-owned utility or co-op. If JEA, OUC or a co-op serves you, its net metering terms may be less generous.

If you're retired or planning to move within a few years, see is solar worth it for retirees in Florida.

For how much shade costs and Florida's tree removal rules, see trees and solar panels.

Studies say owned solar adds value, though less than it used to. Zillow found homes with solar sold for 4.1% more nationally in 2019. A 2021 Fannie Mae and Berkeley Lab study found a smaller 1.63% premium for owned systems, and no premium for leased ones. Zillow's 2019 figure for Florida was 4%. See does solar increase home value in Florida.

In Florida, the value solar adds isn't counted in your property tax assessment, so a higher home value doesn't mean a higher tax bill. Leased panels can slow a sale, because the buyer has to qualify for and take over the lease.

Rooftop systems in Florida are designed for local wind loads under the Florida Building Code, and in Miami-Dade's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone they need engineered wind-uplift calculations. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, installers reported that systems built to current code held up well.

Check that your homeowners policy covers the panels, and ask your installer how the racking is rated and how roof penetrations are warrantied. See can solar panels survive a hurricane in Florida for what Ian and Milton showed.

Not by itself. Grid-tied panels shut off automatically when the grid goes down, so line crews aren't hurt by power flowing back. To keep the lights, fridge and fans running, you need a battery, which solar recharges each sunny day. One 13.5 kWh battery runs about $13,000 installed at recent South Florida prices.

Because net metering already credits exports at the full rate, a battery adds little to bill savings. Its value in Florida is backup through storm season.

Already have panels? See adding a battery to existing solar, and why going fully off-grid rarely makes sense in Florida.

It depends on the insurer. Florida's Chief Financial Officer has warned that only some insurers cover homes with solar and that premiums may rise, so get insurance quotes before you sign a solar contract. The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association lists carriers it considers solar-friendly, including Citizens.

• Florida law bars insurers from refusing to write or renew a policy solely because a roof is under 15 years old, so a newer roof helps on both fronts.
• Citizens asks for proof of remaining life on shingle roofs over 25 years old and on tile or metal roofs over 50.
• Some insurers cover only panels you own, not leased ones. Ask before choosing a lease.

See does solar affect home insurance in Florida for insurers, roof rules and deductibles.

Buying gives the best long-term return and keeps the value with your home, but there's no federal credit for owners after 2025. A lease costs nothing upfront, and the leasing company can still claim a business credit and pass some of it on. Compare the lease's total payments and escalator with what you'd save by buying, and check the solar quote checker before you sign. See solar lease vs. buy in Florida for the full comparison.