How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar In Florida?

Solar power is growing rapidly in Florida due to the state’s abundant sunshine and favorable policies. The Sunshine State gets over 200 sunny days per year on average, making it an ideal place for solar panels. Falling costs for photovoltaic panels and batteries have also made solar more accessible and affordable in recent years.

In 2020, Florida had over 120,000 solar installations statewide, ranking it 2nd in the nation for total installed solar capacity. The solar industry has brought over 12,000 solar jobs to the state. With renewable portfolio standards and net metering laws encouraging solar adoption, Florida’s residential and commercial solar markets are expected to continue expanding in the coming years.

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Cost Factors

The cost of installing solar panels in Florida depends on several key factors, including:

System size – The size of the solar system, measured in kilowatts (kW), is a major cost determinant. Larger systems produce more energy but also have higher absolute costs. The system size needed depends on factors like roof space, energy usage, and budget.

Panel efficiency – More efficient solar panels produce more electricity for the same surface area. High-efficiency panels tend to have higher costs per watt, but can reduce the total number of panels needed.

Accessories – Other equipment like inverters, racking, and monitoring systems add to the overall cost. Optimizing these components can help control costs.

Carefully considering these variables and choosing cost-effective options where possible can help manage the overall expense of installing solar in Florida.

Average System Cost

The average cost of installing a residential solar system in Florida ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 for a typical 6-8 kW system before incentives. The exact cost depends on factors like system size, panel efficiency, and roof type. Most homeowners in Florida install solar arrays in the 4-8 kW range which typically costs $3.00-$4.50 per watt including installation. At $3.50 per watt on average, a 6 kW system would cost around $21,000 before state and federal incentives.

Cost per Watt

Cost per watt is an industry standard metric used to compare solar panel system costs. It represents the total installed cost divided by the system’s power rating in watts. On average, residential solar systems in Florida cost $2.75 – $3.50 per watt. So a typical 6kW system would cost around $16,500 – $21,000 before incentives. The cost per watt depends on factors like the panels, inverters and complexity of the installation.

High efficiency solar panels tend to have a higher cost per watt, but may pay off long-term with increased energy production. Economy panels have a lower upfront cost but usually a shorter lifespan. Microinverters also add to the cost per watt over string inverters. Roof type affects labor costs, with tile roofs costing more per watt to install than shingle roofs. Location also impacts the cost per watt, as permitting and labor costs can vary across Florida.

When comparing solar quotes, look at the cost per watt to help evaluate overall system pricing. Lower cost per watt does not always mean a better deal, as cheaper equipment may underperform or need early replacement. Focus on long term value over the lowest upfront cost when making your decision.

Panel Types

There are three main types of solar panels used in residential installations in Florida:

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from silicon ingots, which are cylindrical blocks of pure silicon. The ingots are cut into thin wafers to make the solar cells. Monocrystalline panels have a distinctive appearance with uniform color and no visible grains.

These panels are the most efficient, with efficiency ratings typically around 15-20%. However, they are more expensive than other panel types.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from melted and recrystallized silicon. The random crystal structure results in a speckled blue color and visible grain boundaries.

Polycrystalline panels are less efficient than monocrystalline, with typical efficiency of 13-16%. But they cost less due to simpler manufacturing.

Thin Film

Thin film solar panels use a super-thin layer of photovoltaic material on a substrate like glass or plastic instead of silicon cells. This makes them lightweight and flexible.

Thin film panels have the lowest efficiency, around 10-13%, but can be cheaper. Types of thin film include cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).

Incentives and Rebates

There are several incentives and rebates available to help reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels in Florida. The federal government, the state of Florida, and some utilities offer programs that can lower your overall solar installation costs.

At the federal level, homeowners can claim a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2022-2023. This tax credit will step down to 22% for systems installed in 2024, and then permanently remain at 10% starting in 2025. The tax credit significantly reduces your tax liability for the year.

Florida offers additional incentives on top of the federal tax credit. There is no upfront cash rebate, but Florida residents with solar can sell excess electricity back to the grid at the retail rate through net metering. This ensures you get full credit for your excess solar production.

Some municipal utilities and cooperatives also offer rebates to their customers who install solar. For example, Lakeland Electric provides rebates of $0.60/Watt, up to $9,600, for systems up to 16 kW. Checking with your local utility to see if they offer any solar incentives can help lower your costs.

When combined, the various federal, state, and utility incentives available in Florida can reduce the payback period and make going solar much more affordable. It’s important to calculate all available incentives when evaluating solar financing options.

Return on Investment

When deciding whether or not to install solar panels in Florida, one of the most important considerations is the return on investment. The payback period refers to the amount of time it takes to recoup your initial investment in the solar panel system through energy savings. For most homeowners in Florida, the payback period for solar panels falls between 6 to 8 years.

There are a few factors that affect your solar panel payback period:

System size – Larger systems require greater upfront costs but also produce more energy savings over time.
Electricity rates – Higher local electricity rates mean faster payback.

Available sun exposure – More sunlight equals more energy production.
Incentives and tax credits – Rebates and incentives reduce net system costs.

While the upfront cost of installing solar in Florida can seem high, the long-term savings are significant. Once your system is paid off, your electricity will be free for the remaining life of the solar panels – typically 25-30 years. With utility rates continually rising, your long-term savings will be even greater than originally estimated at the time of installation. Going solar is a smart, long-term investment in your home and financial future.

Maintenance

Once your solar panels are installed, maintenance costs are typically minimal. Solar panels are very durable and designed to withstand the elements with little degradation over time. However, it’s still important to perform routine maintenance to keep your system operating efficiently.

Most solar panel manufacturers provide a 20-25 year performance warranty, so you likely won’t have to deal with full panel replacements for at least a couple decades. That said, there are some basic maintenance tasks you should plan to do yearly:

Inspect panels and connections for damage or excessive wear

Check inverter and wiring connections
Clean dust and dirt off solar panels (can be done with a hose)
Trim any overgrown vegetation shading the panels

Inspect mounts and racking

On average, most homeowners spend around $150-$300 per year on solar panel maintenance costs. This helps ensure your system keeps performing at optimal efficiency year after year.

Permitting

Installing a solar energy system in Florida requires obtaining permits from your local county or city building department. The permitting process ensures your solar installation meets all safety and code requirements.

To get a permit, a licensed solar contractor will submit an application along with a set of plans outlining the solar system specifications and layout. Typical documents required include:

Site plan showing location of solar panels on the roof or property
One-line electrical diagram detailing connections from panels to inverter to electrical panel

Equipment specs and listing info for all major solar components

The permitting fee will vary by jurisdiction but is typically around $200-$300 for a residential solar system. The permit must be approved before installation can begin. Inspections from the local building department are then required at certain stages of the solar project.

Working with a qualified solar installer is highly recommended, as they will be familiar with the local permitting process and documentation required. They can submit and obtain the necessary permits on your behalf.

Finding Installers

Choosing the right installer is crucial for a smooth solar installation process. Here are some tips for selecting reputable local solar companies in Florida:

Check installer credentials – Choose installers with NABCEP certification as this is the leading certification program for solar professionals.
Read online reviews – Do your research and read reviews on sites like SolarReviews and EnergySage to gauge customer satisfaction.

Get multiple quotes – Get quotes from at least 3 installers to compare pricing and offerings. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true.
Ask about experience – Choose an installer with at least 3 years of experience installing solar in Florida. They will be familiar with local permitting processes.
Verify insurance and licenses – Make sure the installer carries general liability insurance and has all required state and local licenses.

Check their reputation – Look for installers that are rated positively with the Better Business Bureau and have a solid reputation.
Compare warranties – Most panels come with 20-25 year manufacturer warranties. Make sure the installer also provides a workmanship warranty.
Get references – Ask installers for local references and follow up with those customers about their experiences.