Is solar worth it in Florida? Yes. Florida's exceptional sunshine (230+ sunny days, 5.0-5.5 peak sun hours daily), strong incentives (30% federal tax credit, 100% property and sales tax exemptions), rising electricity rates, and full retail net metering make solar highly attractive. Most Florida homeowners see positive ROI within 7-10 years and save $35,000-$55,000 over 25 years. Florida ranks #3 in the nation for total solar capacity. Do solar panels work during Florida summers and hurricanes? Yes. Solar panels are designed for Florida's climate—modern panels handle heat, humidity, and salt air exposure. Hurricane-rated mounting systems (150+ mph wind ratings) ensure panels withstand severe weather. While production decreases during hurricanes due to cloud cover, panels quickly resume full production afterward. Annual production in Florida's sunny climate far exceeds most states. What is Florida's net metering program? Florida law requires major utilities (FPL, Duke Energy, TECO) to offer net metering. You receive full retail rate credits ($0.14-0.16/kWh) for excess solar production during your billing cycle. Credits roll over month-to-month and are paid out annually at generation rates ($0.02-0.03/kWh). This effectively allows solar to offset 80-100% of your electricity costs year-round. How does net metering work with FPL and Duke Energy? Both utilities offer full retail rate credits for excess production during the billing month. FPL has a $25 monthly minimum bill; Duke Energy has a $30 minimum. Excess credits accumulate throughout the year, and any remaining credits after 12 months are paid at generation rates ($0.02-0.03/kWh). Despite minimum bills, solar typically reduces annual costs by 70-90%. What solar incentives are available in Florida? Florida offers exceptional incentives: 30% federal tax credit, 100% property tax exemption (saves $200-500+ annually), 100% sales tax exemption (saves $1,200-2,000 upfront), full retail net metering from major utilities, Florida Solar Rights Act protecting your right to install solar (HOAs cannot prohibit), and battery storage eligible for federal tax credit. How much does solar cost in Florida? Florida solar systems range from $16,000-$29,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit and 6% sales tax exemption, most homeowners pay $10,080-$18,200 net cost. With Florida's abundant sunshine and high electricity usage (air conditioning), payback is typically 7-10 years with $35,000-$55,000 lifetime savings. Will solar panels increase my Florida property value? Yes. Solar panels increase Florida home values by 3-4%, and Florida's 100% property tax exemption means no higher property taxes on that added value. In Florida's competitive real estate market—especially in South Florida, Tampa, and Orlando—solar homes sell faster and command premium prices due to lower operating costs. What happens to solar during Florida power outages and hurricanes? Grid-tied systems shut down during outages for safety. Adding battery storage keeps essential appliances (refrigerators, AC, lights, medical equipment) running during outages. Batteries qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. Hurricane-rated solar systems (150+ mph) withstand severe weather—properly installed panels have survived Category 4-5 hurricanes. Do I need permission from FPL or Duke Energy? Yes. All grid-tied solar systems require interconnection approval from your utility and enrollment in net metering programs. This involves submitting applications, engineering review, and system inspection before activation. We handle the entire net metering enrollment, interconnection agreement, and Permission to Operate process on your behalf. What if I move after installing solar? Solar panels transfer with the home and typically increase resale value in Florida's hot real estate market. If you financed your system, the buyer can assume the loan, or you can pay it off at closing. Florida solar homes are attractive to buyers seeking to offset high air conditioning costs and ensure power during hurricane season.