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Florida Solar Calculator

Enter your utility and monthly bill — get system size, net metering savings, ITC credit, and Florida's tax exemptions. Includes the 2027 net metering change.

Your Florida solar inputs
$
kW
Florida solar estimate
20 × 400W panels (8 kW system)
Monthly usage1,071 kWh/mo
Annual production (FL 5.5 PSH)12,848 kWh/yr
Net metering savings today$1,799/yr
Net metering savings post-2027$1,079/yr (60% rate)
Gross system cost$22,400
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,720
Net cost after ITC$15,680
Sales tax exemption (FL 6%)$1,344
Property tax exemption (est.)$4,480
25-year savings$32,017
Payback period8.7 yrs
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Extended AnalysisSavings estimate, net metering changes & hurricane resilience
kW
$
kWh
Estimated annual savings for a 10kW system with FPL (Florida Power & Light) at $0.147/kWh. Florida's high A/C load means ~65% self-consumption during peak production hours. 30% ITC saves $8,550 on system cost.
$734$1,469$2,203$2,937$1,660Self-use value$894Export credit$2,554Total annual
Based on 10kW system, 5.6 PSH, FPL (Florida Power & Light) rate $0.147/kWh, 100% net metering credit
Annual savings (2026)
$2,554
Annual savings (2027+, 60% NM)
$2,196
Bill covered by solar
100%
System payback est.
7.8 yrs

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your monthly electric bill and utility

Start with your average monthly electric bill — use the average of your last 3 bills, as Florida's summer A/C usage can double or triple your bill versus winter months. Select your utility company (FPL, Duke Energy Florida, TECO, or JEA) — each has a different rate that affects how much solar offsets your bill and how much excess energy is worth under net metering.

Set system size and roof orientation

Enter your planned system size in kilowatts, or use one of the scenario buttons. The calculator will show a recommended size based on your bill. South-facing roofs in Florida get the most production (5.5 peak sun hours average). East/west-facing panels produce about 15% less. The roof orientation factor is automatically applied to your production estimate.

Read the Florida-specific results

The results show today's net metering savings (at full retail rate) and post-2027 savings (at 60% rate when Florida's net metering law changes). You'll see the 30% federal ITC credit, Florida's 100% sales tax exemption on solar equipment, and property tax exemption value. The 25-year savings uses 7 years at current rates and 18 years at the reduced 2027 rate.

The Formula

Monthly kWh = Monthly Bill ÷ Utility Rate Annual Production = System kW × 1000 × 5.5 PSH × 365 × 0.80 efficiency × Orientation Factor ÷ 1000 Net Metering Savings (today) = min(Production, Usage) × Retail Rate Net Metering Savings (2027+) = min(Production, Usage) × Retail Rate × 0.60 Gross Cost = System kW × 1000 × $2.80/W + Battery ($12,000 if added) ITC Credit = Gross Cost × 30% Net Cost = Gross Cost − ITC Credit Payback = Net Cost ÷ Annual Savings (today's rate) 25-yr Savings = (Savings × 7 yrs) + (Post-2027 Savings × 18 yrs)

Florida uses a statewide average of 5.5 peak sun hours (PSH) — Miami and the Keys get 5.8 PSH while Pensacola gets 5.1 PSH. The calculator uses 0.80 system efficiency to account for inverter losses, wiring losses, and temperature derating (critical in Florida's heat — panels lose ~0.35% efficiency per °C above 25°C). The net metering formula changes in 2027 when Florida reduces the export credit to approximately 60% of retail.

Example

Maria — Average FPL home in Orlando

Maria pays $150/month to FPL ($0.14/kWh) and wants to go solar with an 8kW system on a south-facing roof. She wants to know her savings before and after the 2027 net metering change.

Monthly bill$150 (FPL, $0.14/kWh)
System8 kW, south-facing
LocationOrlando, FL (5.5 PSH avg)

Result

Annual production~12,673 kWh/yr
Savings today (retail rate)~$1,800/yr
Savings post-2027~$1,080/yr (60% rate)
Gross system cost~$22,400
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,720
Net cost~$15,680
FL sales tax exemption~$1,344 saved
Payback period~8.7 years
25-year savings~$32,040

Maria's 8kW system covers most of her 1,071 kWh/month usage. The 2027 net metering change extends her payback slightly, but with Florida's sales tax and property tax exemptions plus the 30% federal ITC, solar still delivers strong returns. The 25-year savings of $32,000+ represent real purchasing power protected against future rate increases.

Florida Solar Incentives 2026

Florida currently (through 2026) offers full retail rate net metering — when your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the excess is credited to your bill at the full retail rate (the same rate you pay to buy electricity). This is one of the most valuable net metering policies in the US. In 2027, Florida's net metering policy changes to an "avoided cost" rate, which is approximately 60% of the retail rate. Installing solar before the end of 2026 locks in the current favorable rate for existing customers for a transition period.
No — Florida does not have a state income tax, so there is no state solar tax credit. However, Florida compensates with two strong tax exemptions: (1) 100% sales tax exemption — you pay no Florida 6% sales tax on solar panels, inverters, batteries, or installation equipment, saving roughly $1,000-1,500 on an average system. (2) 100% property tax exemption — your home's assessed value for property tax purposes does not increase because of the solar system, saving you $200-500/year depending on your county's tax rate. These exemptions are among the most generous in the nation.
Yes, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies in all 50 states including Florida. In 2026, the ITC is 30% of the total installed cost — including panels, inverter, battery storage, labor, permits, and sales tax (ironically, even though you don't pay FL sales tax on solar, any applicable sales tax would count). A $22,400 system generates a $6,720 federal tax credit. The ITC is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income tax owed — not a deduction. Unused credits carry forward to future tax years.
In Miami-Dade and Broward counties (South Florida), solar panels and racking systems must carry Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) certification, which tests for resistance to Category 5 wind speeds (185+ mph). This applies to all building products, not just solar. Most major panel and racking manufacturers now have NOA certification. In other Florida counties, panels must meet Florida Building Code wind requirements — typically 130-160 mph. Ask your installer specifically about NOA certification if you're in South Florida.
Yes — solar remains financially strong in Florida even after 2027. Here's why: (1) Self-consumption first — energy you use directly as it's produced is still worth the full retail rate, and Florida's high A/C usage during peak sun hours means significant self-consumption. (2) The 60% export rate is still higher than many states' avoided cost rates. (3) Florida's abundant sunshine (5.5 PSH average) means high production relative to system cost. (4) Adding battery storage allows you to time-shift solar energy to peak evening hours, increasing self-consumption and reducing the impact of the net metering change. Systems installed before 2027 will be grandfathered under current rates for a transition period — check with your utility for the exact grandfathering duration.

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📈 Solar Savings Calculator
Detailed 25-year savings projection with utility rate escalation.

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