Introduction:

Solar energy is becoming more popular every day. You've likely seen solar panels popping up on the roofs of your friends, family, and neighbors. But is solar the right choice for you? There are a few things to think about: What are the benefits and drawbacks? How much will it cost? How much can you save? And is solar a good investment for your home?

Solar panel installation can be a great choice for some people, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Let's dive into the details to help you figure out if solar is right for you.

Electricity Consumption and Costs:

One of the first things to consider when thinking about solar is your electricity use. For Florida residents, solar panel installation is usually worth it if you use at least 500 kWh of electricity each month. Florida is one of the top states for energy consumption, with the average home using about 1,142 kWh each month. This means most Florida homeowners will find solar panels very much worth the investment.

To see how much energy your home uses, check your past electric bills. This will show your energy consumption, rates, and your total costs. All this information is critical when considering if the best solar installers near you (us) are a good fit for your needs. 

Florida is one of the sunniest states in the country, meaning your solar panels can produce excessive energy. With about 250 sunny days each year, the need to rely on extra electricity from your utility company is greatly reduced. By switching to solar, Florida homeowners could save thousands of dollars.

Pricing:

Right now, traditional electricity in Florida costs about 14.65 cents per kWh. 

Most solar companies charge around 5 cents per kWh. Not to mention, electricity prices are likely to skyrocket in the near future due to rising inflation, so getting a solar power installation now can protect you from rising costs.

Here are some future costs to look out for, check to see if any of these top 3 utility companies are yours!

Tampa Bay Electric - Recorded that the typical residential household will jump from 2024 $88/Month to a striking $107/Month in 2025. (Yes, that’s an extra $19)

Duke Energy - Their rate increase will add on an additional $16/month for a customer using 1,000 kWh. As well as a $3 increase in 2026, and a $5 increase in 2027. (That’s $24 extra to your bill in the next 2-3 years!)

TECO - Proposes a rate increase of 3.2% for 2025, 4.4% increase in 2026, and a 2.8% increase in 2027. So an average resident using 1,000 kWh a month is currently paying $143.48, which jumps up to $166.55 in merely 2-3 years!

One more thing to consider, solar companies can help you become energy-independent. Instead of relying on your utility company for all your electricity, you can produce power right from your roof any day, any time, any weather. This gives you control over your energy costs to help you save money in the long run. (Or short run with those rates hiking up!)

Sun Exposure:

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason. With 230-250 sunny days each year, most homes in Florida get enough sunlight to make solar panel installation a good investment. But the direction your roof faces and the location of your home also matters. South or west-facing roofs get the most sunlight, they’re usually the best option for solar power installation. However, if your home is shaded by tall buildings or trees, solar might not be the best option for you depending on what your solar expert advises.

It’s also important to think about the angle of your roof. A roof with a slope that faces the sun will capture more sunlight than a flat roof or one that’s shaded. If you’re not sure if your roof is good for solar, you can schedule a free consultation with one of the best solar installers in your area. They can assess your roof and help you decide if solar is right for you.

Another thing to consider is the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is old or needs repairs, it might be a good idea to take care of that before installing solar panels. Solar panels can last for 25 years or more, so you want to make sure your roof is in good shape to support them.

Incentives:

One of the best reasons to switch to solar is the financial incentives available. Due to the many financial incentives available in Florida, solar panels can be more affordable than paying your utility company for electricity over the long term. Plus, with electricity rates quickly rising and inflation making things more expensive, going solar can help you save money and protect yourself from rising costs.

Case Study Break:
TECO rates rose from January 2019 to April 2023 by a striking 62% in only four years. The average customer bill went from $99.53 to $161.13!

Federal Tax Credit:

The U.S. government offers a federal tax credit for solar systems. This credit allows you to claim 30% of the cost of your solar system as a deduction on your income tax return. This means you’ll get more money back on your taxes, which you can use to help pay for your system. The federal tax credit is available to most homeowners in Florida, making solar power installations even more affordable.

Net Metering:

Net metering is another great incentive for solar panel owners. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home needs, you can send that extra energy to your utility company. They’ll then credit your account for the extra electricity you produce. At the end of the year, if you’ve sent more electricity to the grid than you’ve used, your utility company will pay you for the extra kilowatts. This can help you save even more money and make your solar investment even more worthwhile.

Other Incentives:

In addition to the federal tax credit and net metering, there are other local and state incentives available for homeowners in Florida. Some counties offer rebates or low-interest loans to help cover the cost of your solar system. There are also programs that provide grants or other financial assistance to help make your solar power installation even more affordable.

Take our Go Solar Quiz to see what incentives you qualify for!

Geography: Be the House Powered on:

Geography plays a big role in whether solar is a good fit for your home. Florida’s sunny climate makes it an ideal place for solar panels, but what about during hurricane season? Solar panels are built to withstand extreme weather, including hurricanes. Many solar panel installations are tested to withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour, which is stronger than most hurricanes. So even during a storm, your panels will stay secure and continue to provide power to your home.

One of the biggest benefits of solar panels is that they can keep your home powered on even when your neighbors’ power goes out. Thanks to our battery systems you’re able to store excess energy during high production hours (like midday) and use it later at night or during county/neighborhood power outages. This can be a huge advantage during storms and hurricane season when power outages are more common.

Pros and Cons of Switching to Solar:

Before making the switch to solar, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons for your household. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Advantages:

• Renewable Energy Source: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. This means it doesn’t produce harmful emissions or contribute to climate change.

• Reduces Your Power Bill: Solar panels can significantly lower your electricity costs, helping you save money each month.

• Energy Independence: By generating your own electricity, you can become less reliant on your utility company and gain more control over your energy costs.

• Long-Term Savings: Solar panels can provide savings for 25 years or more, making them a smart long-term investment.

• Low Maintenance: Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance. They’re designed to be durable and long-lasting.

• Electricity Prices Keep Rising: As traditional electricity prices go up, the savings from solar become even more significant.

• Financial Incentives: There are many financial incentives available to help make solar more affordable, including federal tax credits and net metering.

• Increases Home Equity: Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home up to 4.0%, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Upfront Costs: The initial cost of installing solar panels can be high, though incentives and financing options can help.

• Sunlight Dependent: Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity, so they may not be as effective in areas with a lot of shade or during cloudy days.

• Difficulty with Relocation: If you decide to move to a new home, it can be difficult and costly to take your solar panels with you.

Conclusion:

Switching to solar can be a smart choice for many homeowners in Florida, but it’s important to consider all the factors before making a decision. Think about your electricity use, the condition of your roof, and the financial incentives available to you. If solar seems like a good fit, it could be a great investment for your home and your future. With the potential for long-term savings, energy independence, and increased home value, solar panel installation offers many benefits that can make them a worthwhile investment for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about solar and making the switch to solar power installation for your household, click the button below to schedule your free consultation!

Let them know you came from here so you can get all the discounts available ;)

Sources: 

https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/worth-it/fl

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2024/04/02/florida-pinellas-hillsborough-duke-tampa-electric-teco-electric-bills-cost/#:~:text=The%20increase%20would%20equate%20to,benchmark%20for%20an%20average%20bill.

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/florida-solar-incentives/

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2024/05/10/tampa-electric-teco-bill-energy-customer-residents-increase-walmart/
https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/tampa-electric-duke-energy-propose-rate-increases-in-2025-how-it-will-affect-your-bill/amp/
https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2023/03/07/florida-approves-latest-rate-hike-for-teco-customers-raising-energy-bills-62-since-2019/#:~:text=Between%20January%202019%20and%20April,in%20just%20over%20four%20years

https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-power-as-a-home-improvement-strategy/