1. How much does solar cost in Florida?

The cost of a solar system in Florida varies depending on system size and energy needs. On average, a 6kW to 10kW system costs $10,000 - $25,000 after incentives. Many homeowners qualify for $0 down financing.

2. Are there incentives for going solar in Florida?

Yes! Florida homeowners can benefit from:

30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) – Lowers your tax bill.

Net Metering – Earn credits for excess solar power sent to the grid.

Property Tax Exemption – Solar panels won’t increase property taxes.

Sales Tax Exemption – No sales tax on solar equipment in Florida.

3. How much money can I save with solar?

Most Florida homeowners save between $25,000 - $50,000 over 20 years. Your savings depend on:

• Your current electricity bill.

• How much sun your roof gets.

• Local utility rates and net metering policies.

4. How does net metering work in Florida?

Net metering allows you to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. Your utility will credit your bill for extra energy your panels produce, which helps reduce or eliminate your electricity costs.

5. Will solar work during a hurricane or storm?

Yes! Solar panels are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds (140+ mph). However, grid-tied solar systems without battery backup will shut down during a power outage. That’s why many Florida homeowners install a battery storage system for energy security.

6. How long do solar panels last?

Most solar panels last 25-30 years and still produce 80-90% of their original power output after 25 years.

7. What happens if I sell my home?

Homes with solar sell faster and for more money. Studies show homes with solar sell for 4-6% more than those without. You can also transfer solar financing to the buyer.

Solar Battery Storage Questions

8. What is a solar battery, and why do I need one?

A solar battery (like Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase IQ Batteries) stores excess energy from your solar panels. It allows you to:

Have backup power during grid outages.

Store energy for night use, reducing reliance on the grid.

Maximize savings by using stored energy when electricity rates are highest.

9. Do I need a battery if I have solar panels?

No, but it’s highly recommended in Florida due to hurricanes and power outages. Without a battery, your solar system shuts down during an outage for safety reasons. A solar battery keeps your power running even when the grid is down.

10. How long can a solar battery power my home?

It depends on your energy usage and battery size:

• A Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) can power essential loads for 24+ hours.

• An Enphase IQ Battery (10.5 kWh) can power key appliances overnight.

• Adding multiple batteries increases backup time.

11. Will my whole house run on a battery?

It depends on the battery capacity and energy demand. Many homeowners back up essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, WiFi, and medical devices, while others install multiple batteries for whole-home backup.

12. Can I go completely off-grid with solar and a battery?

Yes, but it requires a large solar system, battery storage, and backup generators to fully power a home without grid dependence. Most homeowners stay grid-tied and use batteries for backup.

13. How much does a solar battery cost in Florida?

A Tesla Powerwall 3 costs $10,000 - $14,000 installed, while Enphase IQ Batteries range from $5,000 - $12,000 per unit. Many homeowners qualify for financing and incentives to reduce costs.

14. Do solar batteries qualify for tax credits?

Yes! The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit applies to battery storage if it is installed with or added to a solar system.

Installation & Maintenance Questions

15. How long does it take to install solar panels and a battery?

• Solar panels: 1-3 days.

• Battery storage: 4-8 hours.

• Full system (solar + battery): Typically 1-3 days after permitting approval.

16. What maintenance is required for solar panels and batteries?

Solar panels require little to no maintenance—just occasional cleaning. Batteries require software updates but have no moving parts and last 10-15 years.

17. Do I need a permit for solar installation in Florida?

Yes, but your solar contractor handles all permits and paperwork for you.

18. Can I add a battery later if I already have solar?

Yes! Many homeowners start with solar and add a battery later. Enphase IQ Batteries and Tesla Powerwalls are both great options for retrofitting.

Choosing a Solar Installer in Florida

19. How do I choose the best solar company in Florida?

Choose a licensed installer with CVC & EC licenses.

Make sure they don’t subcontract installations.

Look for local experience and real customer reviews.

Avoid companies that make false promises like “solar is free”.

20. Will my HOA allow solar panels?

Yes! Florida law prohibits HOAs from denying solar panel installations. However, they can request adjustments to placement (as long as it doesn’t reduce efficiency).

Ready to Go Solar in Florida?

At Florida Solar Contracting, we specialize in:

Custom solar & battery installations (Tesla Powerwall & Enphase).

Maximizing your tax credits & incentives.

Storm-ready energy solutions for Florida homeowners.