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With an average of 237 sunny days, it’s no surprise that Florida’s solar power industry is set to experience tremendous growth within the next five years. The state government has done its part in promoting green energy initiatives, from offering incentives and tax credits to drastically reducing installation prices–making going solar easier than ever! In fact, over the past ten years alone, average panel costs have dropped 52%. And now, even local governments within Florida are adopting special zoning ordinances that make it easier for property owners to install solar panels without requiring additional permits or fees, showing the state’s determination to be a leader in renewable energy.

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Florida Solar Panels Tax and Tax use Exemption

Did you know that solar panel installation is exempt from state sales and use taxes in Florida? This means Florida residents are able to take advantage of a tax exemption for purchasing and installing solar equipment – covering 100% of the state sales tax. This can instantly save you up to 6% on your investment, making it an incredibly attractive option! This incentive is provided by the state of Florida to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and it applies to renewable energy equipment including solar panels, inverters, and other equipment necessary for a residential property. To be eligible for this program, the equipment must be used on your property within the state of Florida, and you simply submit proof of purchase such as a receipt or invoice to the Department of Revenue in Florida.

Florida’s 100% Property Tax Exemption

Florida is one of the few states that offers a 100% property tax exemption when installing residential solar panels and battery storage devices, thanks to Florida’s Property Tax Exclusion for Residential Renewable Energy Property program. This means that not only will your home value increase, but you are exempt from paying any additional taxes because you got solar! This is a great incentive for Floridians to go solar, as it can save them money on their property taxes. To qualify for the tax exemption, Florida property owners must meet certain conditions:

System must be certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center.
Equipment must have been installed on or after January 1, 2013.
Must be connected to the utility grid.
Used only for residential purposes.
The property owner must own the solar energy system and have it installed on their property.

Florida’s Solar PACE Financing

The program works by taking advantage of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, which allows homeowners to finance their solar installation through their property tax assessment. This means that the homeowner can spread the cost of their solar installation over a longer period of time, making it more affordable. Additionally, the interest on the loan is often tax-deductible, so homeowners can save even more money.

Florida’s Net Metering Laws

In Florida, net metering is a policy that allows solar energy system owners to sell the extra electricity they generate to their local utility company. This policy helps individuals save money on their energy bills and is also beneficial for the environment. Net metering works by tracking how much electricity an individual’s solar energy system produces. When the individual’s system generates more electricity than they need, the extra power is sent back to the power grid. The individual is then credited for the extra electricity produced, which reduces their energy bill.

Florida has been a leader in net metering policy since the 1980s. In 2018 the state passed legislation that requires investor-owned utilities to offer net metering for residential and commercial customers. Not only that, but Florida’s net metering policy pays individuals or businesses who generate their own electricity with solar panels at retail rate—which is significantly higher than wholesale rates—for any excess energy they send back into the grid. This move was made to further promote solar energy in the state and ensure that individuals who want to use solar energy can do so easily and affordably.

Here are two of the Top net metering programs in Florida:

https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/renewable-energy/generate-your-own

https://www.fpl.com/clean-energy/net-metering/guidelines.html

Florida Solar Grants

Florida offers solar grants as a way to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources and to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. By providing financial incentives for solar installations, the state hopes to encourage residents and businesses to invest in clean energy and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Solar grants can help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels, making it easier for people to switch to renewable energy. Additionally, investing in solar energy can lead to lower energy bills, making it a cost-effective choice for many Florida residents.

Local Florida Solar Incentives

In addition to the state of Florida’s solar incentives, there are also certain areas of Florida that provide great incentives for going solar! Here are a few examples:

Boynton Beach Energy Edge Rebate Program

You may be eligible to receive a $1,500 rebate for installation of a solar photovoltaic system on your primary residence. System must meet the following requirements: 5kW or larger, equal to or more than 17.5% efficiency, and completed by a certified solar contractor. In some cases, expedited permitting may also be available. Please note that you cannot offer the building for sale or lease within 1 year of completing the work .

Please note: Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis until all the funds allocated for this program have been expended. Rebates are reserved, but not guaranteed, for applicants that have been approved to participate in the program. The City does not guarantee a reduction in energy usage or in utility bills from participation within this program, and reserves the right to modify this program at its discretion.

Lakeland Electric Residential Battery Rebate

Customers of Lakeland Electric can benefit from tremendous savings with a solar battery installation rebate that is up to 50%, or up to $1,000!

Dunedin Solar Energy Rebate Grant Program

This program offers a generous grant of 25 cents per watt, up to a maximum of $2,500 in total solar energy installation grants.Solar permits must be applied for, issued, inspected and completed on or after October 1st, 2018.
This grant will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis – as funds are available. Annual total funding determined in each fiscal year’s budget.

Orlando OUC rebates

OUC solar photovoltaic customers are eligible for an incredible rebate of $2,000 on batteries with a usable capacity of 8kWh and a robust 10-year warranty against defects.

In addition to these financial incentives from state and local governments, there are also rules and regulations set forth by local utilities that customers must follow when using renewable energy sources such as solar panels. These rules aim to ensure safe operation and provide guidance on how customers should connect their systems to the utility grid so that everyone can benefit from clean renewable energy sources without any issues arising from improper connections or use of outdated equipment. For additional information on rules and regulations from local governments within Florida, give us a call today at 800-515-1254 and we would be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have!