There is a reason why Florida is dubbed the “Sunshine State.” With so many sunny days each year, it only makes sense to take advantage of the beautiful sun! With net metering, you can earn credits for extra power you don’t use during the month. Imagine your utility company paying you, instead of you paying them!
Florida’s net metering programs mean that residential solar homeowners earn credits from participating utility companies for kilowatt-hours of electricity they supply to the grid. These credits build up over the course of 12 months, eventually resulting in direct payments from the utilities. Florida also offers a property tax exemption, which prevents you from paying property taxes on the added home value from your solar system. The sales tax exemption also makes sure you don’t have to pay sales tax on your new system.
Florida homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Florida homes tend to see higher than average energy bills. Larger homes will see even larger bills, especially during warmer months. Florida utilities have different rates according to time of use (TOU). By going solar you can avoid these rates altogether and run on the sun. You will be covered at peak and super-peak. If you install batteries, you may only have to pay the minimum payment each month.
Florida has higher than average power outages a year, ranging between 51-100.* Some are planned, others are not. However, with solar and the right batteries, you will have enough backup power to get you through most outages. You can keep your air conditioner on even if the grid is down. Talk to your authorized dealer about the batteries that best fit your lifestyle needs.
Florida is lined with movie-worthy beaches and beautiful national parks. Homeowners may be going solar to save money, but also to preserve their surroundings. By going solar you are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy systems help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and its reliance on fossil fuels.
Florida can be warm and humid for the majority of the year. This means you may be using a lot of electricity to keep cool. With time of use (TOU) rates it is hard to predict your monthly energy bill. By going solar you can avoid bill changes every month. You may be able to just pay the minimum bill to your utility provider. This can help you budget each month.
Your home is your biggest asset, and you probably want to continue to invest in it. Installing a solar system may increase your home’s value and help it sell faster in the future. Florida homes are currently valued at an average $270,560, a 8.6%* increase over the past year. Keep up with rising home values by investing in your home.**
