Florida, also known as the sunshine state, is naturally a prime location for solar energy. Going solar in Florida is a great decision for many homeowners. As with any large purchase, it is important to have as much information as possible about solar energy before you make the switch. We created this comprehensive solar panel guide to help you understand the process.
Your Solar Panel Guide – What to Expect When Going Solar in Florida.
Solar energy is environmentally friendly. It offsets the carbon emissions that come from your home, and makes for healthier air, a healthier environment, and a better future for our planet. It is also a great way to offset rising energy costs.
If you are a homeowner in South Florida, there are specific things to consider when you are making the switch to solar energy.
On average, Florida has 237 sunny days a year! That puts us in a place where rooftop solar panels can work at their peak performance nearly all year long. And, even during those cloudy days and infamous summer storms, your panels have enough energy stored to keep powering your home.
Here are some additional reasons why going solar in Florida is a great move:
- According to a 2021 report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida ranks third of all U.S. states for solar energy capacity.
- According to the same report, there are “378 Solar Companies in Florida (50 Manufacturers, 192 Installers/Developers, 136 Others)”
- What does this mean for you? Not all are created equal. We encourage all of our potential customers to do their research and make sure the company they are working with is reputable, offers competitive prices while using top of the line equipment, and that reviews from past customers are solid.
- Bison is proud to stand out as one of the only roofing AND solar companies in the area, meaning we are well versed in both categories, which go hand-in-hand. When you work with us, you can feel confident that the top of your home is in good hands, literally.
- At the time of writing this, only 5% of the state’s energy comes from solar. Be a leader and become amongst the first to switch to solar! With the government becoming more aware of the importance of renewable energy to help the health of our planet, solar is the way of the future. You may as well get a jump start while the incentives are high and lower prices can be locked in!
- FPL is pretty much the only alternative to solar energy here in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, which are our service area. FPL is raising their rates. That isn’t a rumor, or a sales tactic – it’s a fact. You probably already noticed your bill increase in 2022, and it will continue to do so in 2023 and the years to come. By going solar now, you are locking in lower utility rates than you will if you wait.
What are some Florida Solar Power Incentives?
In addition to locking in lower utility bills and beating utility inflation, there are a number of florida solar power incentives to be aware of.
- There is a country wide federal solar incentive program and tax credit that allows homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of completed solar installations within the taxable year on their tax returns. This is a big return on investment that you can decide to put back into your loan to lower your monthly payments, or keep for yourself. That all depends on the way you paid for your solar panels, and how you’d like to use your return.
- In Florida specifically, homeowners are exempt from paying a 6% sales tax on their solar panels.
- Though a large subject of debate earlier in 2022, net metering is allowed in Florida, thanks to Governor DeSantis’s decision to overturn a ruling back in April. This means that homeowners who generate solar energy can sell back their renewable energy credits to be applied to energy bills in the next 12 months, or paid out directly.
Lastly, Florida’s Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property makes homeowners 100% exempt from paying property taxes to improve their homes with solar panels.
We hope this Florida solar panel guide helps you navigate the somewhat confusing process of going solar. As always, our solar experts are on hand to help you with any additional questions you may have. We also offer complimentary, customized quotes for your roofing and/or solar project.
