Solar Quotes in Florida: Net Metering, Tax Exemptions and What to Ask

Net metering with investor-owned utilities

• Florida PSC Rule 25-6.065 applies to investor-owned utilities. It requires each one to let interconnected customer-owned renewable generation net meter, and to install the metering equipment at no extra cost to the customer. Source: official rule text, flrules.org (rule document 25-6.065.doc; effective 4/7/2008; accessed 2026-10-20)
• Under the rule, excess generation in a billing cycle is credited to later bills. Unused credits are eventually paid at the utility's COG-1 as-available energy tariff. Source: same rule (accessed 2026-10-20)
• The rule covers systems up to 2 MW in three size tiers. Tier 1 customers can't be charged extra fees, such as application fees, beyond what other retail customers pay. Source: same rule (accessed 2026-10-20)
• The rule doesn't cover municipal utilities or electric co-ops. If one serves your home, ask it directly.

Sales tax exemption

• Florida Statute 212.08(7)(hh) exempts solar energy systems and their components from sales and use tax. The Florida Solar Energy Center certifies the list of equipment that counts as a solar energy system or component. Source: flsenate.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)

Property tax assessment

• Under Fla. Stat. 193.624, when assessing residential property, the just value attributable to a renewable energy source device "may not be considered." The rule covers devices installed on or after January 1, 2013, on new and existing residential property. Qualifying devices include photovoltaic modules, inverters and storage systems. Source: flsenate.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)

Is solar worth it in Florida?

It depends on your bill, roof and utility rules. Here is an estimate for a home with a $150 monthly electric bill and a south-facing, unshaded roof, before any incentives:

• Residential electricity averaged an estimated 15.30¢/kWh in Florida (January–July 2026), below the U.S. average of 18.19¢ (31 of 51, highest first). Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Small rooftop systems in Florida produced an estimated 1,707 kWh per kW of panels in 2024 (2024 small-scale solar generation divided by average 2023–2024 small-scale capacity). Source: EIA Electric Power Annual 2024, Tables 3.21 and 4.7.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Estimated system size: 5.1–6.9 kW, producing about 10,242 kWh a year (estimated).
• Estimated installed cost: $18,000–$31,200 before incentives, using $3.00–$5.20 per watt. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024 installed prices, 20th–80th percentile; accessed 2026-10-20)
• Estimated simple payback: 10–23 years. Savings depend on how your utility credits exported energy (see above).

Estimates only, based on public data and simple assumptions. Actual production, cost, and savings vary by home, utility, rate plan, and installer. Not a quote, and not a guarantee of savings. Ask your installer about any state, local, or utility incentives that apply. State and local programs: DSIRE.

Run the numbers for your home with the solar calculator

A note on the federal tax credit

The federal residential clean energy credit (25D) doesn't apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed, so most systems installed in 2026 don't qualify. If a quote assumes a 30% federal credit, ask the installer to explain it. Source: IRS OBBB FAQ, irs.gov (accessed 2026-10-20). This page isn't tax advice.

Questions to ask

1. Which utility serves my home, and what are its net metering terms?
2. Does the equipment appear on the Florida Solar Energy Center's certified list?
3. What are the hurricane and wind ratings for the mounting system?

Get one quote from one installer

Request a free quote. SolarMatchup sends your request to exactly one local installer and never resells it. Any savings depend on your home, your usage, your utility rates and your financing. We don't guarantee savings or incentive eligibility.

Get my free quote