Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by admin
Solar Panels in the Sunshine State Why it Makes Sense to Go Solar in Florida
A guide to why you should consider going solar in Florida, the Sunshine State
With an average of 237 sunny days each year, it’s no wonder that Florida is called the Sunshine State. With that many days of sun, it’s also no wonder that Florida is an ideal place to harness the renewable energy of the sun to power homes and businesses. Luckily the state is well aware of this potential and has introduced numerous incentives and rebates to help you go solar.
Why is Florida ideal for solar power?
Florida, where it’s sunny for almost two-thirds of the year, is undeniably an ideal location for solar panels. However, the advantages of installing solar panels in Florida extend beyond this. They give homes and businesses the ability to control their energy spending and reduce their dependence on the electric grid. Combined with an energy storage system, they can allow a homeowner to keep the lights on even after an event, like a hurricane, causes a blackout in an area.
With about 14,000 megawatts of solar already installed in Florida, plenty of smart homeowners and businesses in the state have gone solar. In its most recent profile of Florida, the Energy Information Administration noted that that makes it the third-largest state for the most installed solar energy in the country.
However, there’s still plenty of opportunity to add more solar power in Florida as solar currently accounts for only 5% of the electricity produced in the state. Thankfully, electric providers are investing in solar and providing incentives to homes and businesses even as the cost of solar panel installation is steadily decreasing.
The average cost for solar panels in Florida:
Solar panel prices in Florida vary depending on the size of the system and the specifics of the installation. The installed cost of solar panels in Florida generally ranges from $11,050 to $14,950, which breaks down to between $2.21 and $2.99 per watt.
Advantages of solar panels in Florida:
Abundant sunshine and southern location make Florida an ideal place to go solar.
The state and utilities offer numerous financial incentives for solar, including tax credits, grants, and rebates.
The state has net metering, allowing you to not only offset the cost of electricity from the grid, but to potentially earn credits or receive payments from your utility company for the surplus energy you generate and contribute back to the grid.
Installing solar panels in Florida enhances the value of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Having a backup energy source like solar panels and energy storage prepares you for power outages, like in the aftermath of a hurricane, providing you with a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.
Florida tax credits and other incentives:
Florida offers many incentives and tax credits to help reduce the overall price of solar panels for you, including:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
This tax credit provided by the federal government enables you to claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels and their installation on your tax return in the year you installed them or until you can claim the full credit over a few years.
Solar Property Tax Exemption:
With this state policy, the value added to your home by your solar system doesn’t increase your property taxes. That could save a homeowner with an average solar system in the state roughly $235 a year in assessed property taxes, for instance.
Solar Sales Tax Exemption:
You can also take advantage of another state policy that provides a great benefit. By exempting the 6% state sales tax on solar panels and the necessary installation equipment, you could save an additional $1,440 for a 5kW system, for instance.
Net Metering:
This state-mandated scheme allows you to sell any additional solar energy your system creates back to the grid. In exchange, you receive credit on your utility bill.
These credits are issued at the same rate that you would pay for electricity, and if you generate more energy than you consume in a year, you will be compensated at a reduced cost.
PACE Loans: If you’re looking for a way to finance your solar panels, property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing might be a good option for you. With this type of loan, you can pay for your solar panels through a property tax lien. The interest rates and terms will depend on the provider and your eligibility. However, it can be difficult to get a PACE lien with certain types of mortgages on your home.
SELF Loans: SELF Loans are another financing option that offers fixed-rate loans for solar panels in Florida. The interest rates and terms also vary depending on the provider and your eligibility.
Local Rebates and Grants: In certain parts of Florida, you can find additional incentives for solar panels, such as rebates, grants, or discounts.
For example, Boynton Beach’s Energy Edge program offers a $1,500 rebate for solar systems with greater than 5 kW capacity, and Dunedin’s Solar Energy Rebate Grant rebates solar system buyers $0.25 per watt, $2,500.
FAQs:
In Florida, how many solar panels are needed to power a house?
An average household in Florida requires around 15 to 30 solar panels or 6 to 11 kilowatts of solar panels to power their home. The exact number varies based on factors like roof design and monthly energy consumption.
What’s the potential for savings with incentives in Florida?
With a range of federal tax credits and state and local incentives, Florida residents have numerous opportunities to make the switch to renewable energy easier and more cost-effective. With a system in the state costing over $10,000, a homeowner can expect a solar system to pay for itself within 10 years, with savings increasing every year after that. For instance, Ecowatch estimates that a homeowner in Florida can save about $21,632 over 25 years when compared to buying energy off the electric grid.
Are solar panels worth it in Florida?
Absolutely! Installing solar panels is a smart investment for both your home and the environment. Plus, Florida’s abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for generating renewable energy.
Can you sell excess electricity back to the grid in Florida?
Yes, homeowners with solar panels in Florida can currently sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering. However, this policy may change in the future due to ongoing legislation.
How long does solar energy take to pay for itself in Florida?
The return on investment for solar panels in Florida will vary depending on system size, cost, electricity usage, and available incentives. On average, it ranges from 6 to 14 years.
Conclusion:
In the end, installing solar panels in Florida is a smart choice because the sunshine and numerous incentives make it less expensive. By doing so, not only can you cut down on your electricity bills, but you also play a part in creating a cleaner environment.
To learn more about going solar in the Sunshine State, reach out to your local installers at SolarSME.
