Solar panels in Bay County, FL
Compare solar costs, payback and local permit rules across 5 Bay County towns served by FPL and Duke Energy, then get free, no-obligation quotes.
Free, no-obligation quotes. Savings vary by home and utility. $0-down offers are leases or loans and are subject to approval.
By the FL Solar Deals Editorial Team · Updated October 2026 · How we research
Quick answer
Is solar worth it in Bay County, FL?
For many homes, yes. With a $200 monthly bill, we estimate a system costs about $25,900 to $28,100 in Bay County and pays for itself in about 12.8 to 14.1 years on an unshaded, south-facing roof, because FPL and Duke Energy credits exported solar at the full retail rate.
How does solar compare across Bay County towns?
| Town | Output per kW | Cost | Payback | Median home value | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway | 1,410 kWh | $28,100 | 14 yrs | n/a | n/a |
| Lynn Haven | 1,400 kWh | $28,100 | 14.1 yrs | $320,000 | 64% |
| Mexico Beach | 1,420 kWh | $25,900 | 12.8 yrs | $466,300 | 78% |
| Panama City | 1,410 kWh | $28,100 | 14 yrs | n/a | n/a |
| Panama City Beach | 1,410 kWh | $28,100 | 14 yrs | $441,300 | 59% |
Estimates for a cash purchase on an unshaded, south-facing roof. Home values and ownership rates are U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates; n/a means no Census figure was available. How we estimate
What should Bay County homeowners know about solar?
- Contractors must register with Bay County, with state license, liability and workers' compensation on file, before they can pull a permit; the county says to allow 7 to 10 working days.
- Bay County enforces the FEMA 50% rule through building permits, using the property appraiser's assessed value unless the owner submits a licensed appraisal.
- FPL's 2025 report to the Public Service Commission lists 4,135 customer-owned solar systems on its lines in Bay County, 366 of them connected in 2025, by our count. See Florida solar by county.
Sources: Bay County: Certified contractor registration; Bay County: Permit requirements in flood zones; Florida PSC: FPL interconnection and net metering report for 2025 (Apr. 2026)
What do Bay County towns require for solar?
Permits and zoning rules are set town by town. Highlights from each town's own rules:
- Callaway: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation found that 98% of the structures in Callaway were damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018 and 300 were beyond repair, WJHG reported on the storm's seventh anniversary.
- Lynn Haven: Hurricane Michael in October 2018 damaged about 85% of homes and 90% of businesses in Lynn Haven, and days after the storm the mayor said 80 to 90% of homes were destroyed.
- Mexico Beach: On October 27, 2025, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado with winds up to 100 mph and an EF0 with winds up to 70 mph in Mexico Beach; several homes had roof damage.
- Panama City: Panama City issues its own building permits and is moving its development services, building permits included, onto an online system called Cloudpermit.
- Panama City Beach: In August 2024 the Panama City Beach council agreed with FPL to move the power lines on segment 4.2 of Front Beach Road, from east of Hills Road to west of Lantana Street, underground through FPL's Storm Secure Underground Program, at no cost to taxpayers.
Each town page has the full details and sources.
Will solar raise my Bay County property taxes?
No. Under Florida law (s. 193.624), the value a solar system adds to a home isn't counted in its assessed value. If you're unsure whether anything needs to be filed, ask the Bay County Property Appraiser.
Solar equipment is also exempt from Florida sales tax, so it's already left out of the installed price.
How does solar work with FPL and Duke Energy in Bay County?
FPL and Duke Energy credits the solar you send to the grid as a kWh credit at the full retail rate. Unused credits roll forward for up to 12 months, and anything left at year-end is paid out at only a few cents per kWh, so systems are sized to cover a year of use. Solar can't take a bill below the monthly minimum ($30 at FPL, $30 at Duke Energy).
See the full FPL solar guide. See the full Duke Energy solar guide.
Choosing a company? Check each installer's Florida license, compare at least two quotes and run them through our solar quote checker.
Bay County solar FAQ
Which electric utility serves Bay County?
The towns we cover in Bay County are served by FPL and Duke Energy, which credits exported solar at the full retail rate under Florida's net metering rule. Some addresses are on a city-owned utility or co-op, so check your bill.
How long does solar take to pay back in Bay County?
For an unshaded home with a $200 monthly bill, we estimate payback of about 12.8 to 14.1 years in Bay County, paying cash with no rebate.
Will solar raise my property taxes in Bay County?
No. Florida law keeps the value that solar adds to a home out of its property tax assessment. Ask the Bay County Property Appraiser if you're unsure whether anything needs to be filed.
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