Solar panels in Florida make a great deal of sense-after all, it is the sunshine state! Learn everything you need to know here. In fact, Florida falls in the top ten for the sunniest states in the US. This makes it a perfect location for rooftop solar panels.
Why Florida Is Great for Solar Panels
Cities in Florida get anywhere between 220-240 days of sun each year. This means that around 60% of the days of the year are sunny.
However, electric bills in Florida are some of the highest in the nation.Florida energy bills are about 13% more than the national average. For most homeowners, this means that by switching to a more sustainable energy source, the monthly saving may offset the cost of solar panels earlier than expected.
In recent years, many homeowners have found that solar panel systems raise the resale value of their property. In Florida, there are additional laws that protect against additional taxes that may be incurred from the increase in value from solar panels. We will discuss this further, but of course, you should always seek guidance from a certified CPA for your unique tax situation.
Solar panels in Florida are worth it. If you own a home in Florida, put the excess of sunlight to work. It’s time to reduce, or even eliminate, your utility bill.
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The Economics of Solar Panels
It is easy to understand that solar panels are a great option in Florida. However, many homeowners want to know if they are worth the money. After all, solar panels are an investment and many want to be sure that this investment will pay off.
How much does solar cost in Florida? The answer to this varies. Savings will depend on the amount spent on electricity each month and the amount of solar power a system produces.
Consider your current electricity bill. If it is high, especially if it is higher than the surrounding areas, then you will end up saving more money by switching to solar. In addition, look up how much sun your zip code gets on average, as this will give you a more precise look at the amount of energy a solar system on your property can generate.
With Florida’s electricity being expensive and with its potential for producing a lot of solar power, returns are efficient. Of course, the savings will vary with the price of energy and the amount of sunlight from year to year.
Financing options for new solar panel systems accommodate most budgets. Homeowners have the flexibility to lease equipment for no money down or to pay nothing for the equipment and only pay for the power they produce. You can even finance your new system through a solar loan. This allows homeowners who may not have been able to afford to install their own solar panels to still reap some benefits.
Solar Panel Incentives
Another factor that drives down the solar panel cost comes from incentives. These are programs by the government put in place to increase the number of solar panels installed in the country or the state. Most governments want to make sure clean energy is more accessible. Solar power is better for the electrical grid and better for the environment.
On the federal level, one of the biggest incentives is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Initially, the federal solar tax credit was set to expire in 2023. However, an additional incentive was just put into place through the Inflation Reduction Act.
This extra incentive provides a federal income tax credit equal to 30 percent of eligible expenses spent on your solar system. This program applies to systems installed between now and 2032. So, you may end up saving money on your taxes that will help offset the amount you spend on solar panels.
On a state level, Florida also has a few programs in place. Like the federal incentives, their goals are to make it easier to buy and own a solar system.
For one, Florida offers a property tax exemption for residential solar panel installations. These prevent the increase in your home’s value, because of the install of solar panels, from impacting you. If your home’s value increases when you install solar panels, your taxes will not increase as a result.
The state also does not charge sales taxes on solar panels or batteries. While this might not seem like a lot, it adds up. In doing so, it is a simple way to lessen the burden of Florida solar installation cost.
Solar Panel Rules and Regulations in Florida
Florida has a few rules and regulations that relate to solar panels. However, the good news is that most of these are also aimed at making it easier to install panels.
One such law relates to restrictions placed on installing solar panels. Often, homeowners associations try to prevent individual homes from being able to install solar panels. However, Florida law forbids this and allows owners to install panels, no matter what their HOA claims.
Despite this, it is still necessary to look into any additional permissions that may affect your specific situation. For example, some areas have height restrictions that limit the install of solar panels. In addition, an HOA cannot prevent solar panels from being installed but may have some input on the way they are installed.
To hook your solar system up to the grid, there are also precautions that must be taken. These are to prevent a mistake with your system from affecting the entire grid. We’ll talk more about these steps later on.
Florida is a state that encourages net metering. This is a process through which you have the potential to save even more money by using solar power.
On days when you produce more electricity than you use, net metering will credit you for the energy you send back into the grid. Then, on days when you use more electricity than your solar panels produce, you will use these credits to pay for your electricity. So, solar ends up saving you money whether or not it is sunny!
The Solar Panel Process
If all of this information has you interested in getting solar panels for yourself, then it is time to start the process.
The first thing you need to do is reach out to solar companies and have them access your unique situation. They will let you know if your home qualifies.
To do this, it is necessary to find a solar installer in Florida. There are plenty of great options across the state, with LGCY Power being a standout. LGCY Power will provide you with an initial quote and will then guide you through the rest of the process.
From here, a site survey is necessary. The company will inspect your home and determine where and how many solar panels may go on the home. They will then present you with the blueprint they have created and discuss the options with you.
Once they have your approval, the solar panel installation takes place. This will take anywhere between one to three days and will involve workers installing the panels on your roof.
Once the panels have been installed, you can start the activation process. This involves submitting an application to your local power company, which LGCY Power can help you do. Then, your local power company will run your new system through a few tests and give it an inspection.
As long as everything goes well, your solar panels will be approved. At this point, you can turn on your panels and your home will start producing power.
If you apply for net metering, you may even end up reducing your electric bill even further. Most places in Florida allow net metering, meaning you can start saving right away.
Solar Panels in Florida
Solar panels in Florida have the potential to make a serious impact. On their own, they are already great, but the state of Florida is particularly positioned to get the most out of solar technology. All you have to do is start the process by contacting solar installers!
If you want to get your own solar panels, get started with LGCY Power.
