Solar Financing in Florida
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA — Complete financing guide for FL homeowners
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
- Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
Going solar in Florida? With electricity rates averaging 14.5¢/kWh and excellent solar resources, choosing the right financing option can save you $26,775 or more over 25 years. This guide breaks down every option available to Florida homeowners.
Avg Rate
14.5¢
per kWh
Solar Resource
Excellent
FL
Typical System
9kW
residential
Payback
~10.3 yrs
estimated
Solar Incentives & Tax Credits in Florida
Florida homeowners can take advantage of the following solar incentive programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit via Section 48E for qualifying projects (leases, PPAs, commercial) that begin construction before July 4, 2026. The residential ownership credit (25D) expired December 31, 2025.
30% of system cost
Solar Property Tax Exclusion
Florida exempts 100% of the increase in property value from a solar installation (FL Statute 193.624).
100% property tax exempt
Solar Sales Tax Exemption
Solar and CHP systems are exempt from Florida's 6% state sales tax.
6% sales tax exempt
FPL SolarTogether / Utility Programs
Several Florida utilities offer community solar and rooftop incentive programs for residential customers.
Varies by utility
Net Metering in Florida
Florida SB 1024 reduced net metering to ~50% of retail ($0.069/kWh) for new systems in 2025-2027, down from full retail. Pre-2024 systems are grandfathered at full retail. Steps down to avoided cost only in 2028+.
✓ Florida offers a property tax exemption for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won't increase despite the added home value.
✓ Florida exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Compare Financing Options in Florida
See how cash purchase, solar loan, lease, and PPA compare based on Florida's average rates:
Solar Financing Comparison for Florida
Based on 14.5¢/kWh electricity rate and a 9kW system
Cash Purchase
Pay upfront — maximum long-term savings
- Upfront Cost
- $18,900
- Monthly Savings
- $152/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Loan
$0 down — own the system over time
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $185/mo
- Net Monthly
- $-33/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Lease
$0 down — provider owns the system
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $117/mo
- Net Monthly
- $35/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Power Purchase Agreement
$0 down — pay per kWh produced
- Down Payment
- $0
- Annual Savings
- $1,134/yr
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Estimates based on average Florida (FL) rates and system costs. For a personalized comparison, use our full financing calculator.
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA in Florida
Buying (Cash or Loan)
Best for: Maximizing long-term savings and home value.
- You own the system and all electricity it generates
- Eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$8,100 on a 9kW system)
- Property tax exempt in Florida
- Increases home value by an average of 4.1%
- Highest 25-year savings: ~$26,775
- You handle maintenance (panels need little)
Solar Lease
Best for: Zero upfront cost with predictable payments.
- $0 or low upfront cost
- Fixed monthly payment (no surprise bills)
- Maintenance and repairs typically covered
- Not eligible for tax credits or incentives
- Lower 25-year savings (~$10,575)
- May complicate home sale (lease transfer)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Paying only for what you produce, $0 down.
- $0 upfront cost
- Pay a per-kWh rate (typically lower than utility)
- Provider owns and maintains the system
- Not eligible for tax credits
- Rate escalates 2-3% annually (read the contract)
- Lowest 25-year savings of the three options
Solar Financing FAQ — Florida
Is solar worth it in Florida?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in Florida. With moderate electricity rates averaging 14.5¢/kWh and excellent solar resources, a typical 9kW system can offset most of your household electricity usage. The estimated payback period is 10-12 years, after which you enjoy more than a decade of largely free electricity. florida sb 1024 reduced net metering to ~50% of retail ($0 is the main policy factor to verify with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in Florida?
Florida residents can claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (worth $8,100 on a typical 9kW system). The state also offers Solar Property Tax Exclusion, Solar Sales Tax Exemption, FPL SolarTogether / Utility Programs. Florida offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value; Florida exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Should I lease, buy, or get a PPA in Florida?
Buying your solar system (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and qualifies you for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. On a typical 9kW system in Florida, that's about $8,100 back. Buying yields roughly $26,775 in net savings over 25 years. Leasing or a PPA requires $0 down and includes maintenance, but you won't get tax credits and your 25-year savings will be much lower (around $10,575). If you can afford the upfront cost or qualify for a low-rate loan, buying is the clear winner in Florida.
How much does a solar system cost in Florida?
A typical 9kW residential solar system in Florida costs approximately $27,000 before incentives. After the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$8,100), the net cost drops to about $18,900. Actual costs vary based on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage. Florida offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value; Florida exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Does Florida have net metering?
Florida SB 1024 reduced net metering to ~50% of retail ($0.069/kWh) for new systems in 2025-2027, down from full retail. Pre-2024 systems are grandfathered at full retail. Steps down to avoided cost only in 2028+.
What is the solar payback period in Florida?
The typical solar payback period in Florida is approximately 10-12 years. With a net system cost of about $18,900 after the federal tax credit and annual electricity savings of roughly $1,644-$2,010 (based on 14.5¢/kWh), most Florida homeowners see full payback within 12 years and enjoy 13+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
Related Solar Tools
Estimates are based on Florida average rates, system costs, and the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. Actual savings vary by installer, equipment, roof, and utility policy.