Buying a Home with Solar Panels in Florida:
What You Need to Know

How Home Solar Systems Work

Home solar systems—also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems—convert sunlight into electricity to power your home. Roof-mounted solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that produce direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. This DC power then flows to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity—the kind used by household appliances.

The energy generated can be used right away, stored in a battery system, or sent back to the electric grid. Most Florida homes have grid-tied solar systems, meaning they remain connected to the local utility. At night or during cloudy weather, you still have access to grid power. When your system produces more electricity than you need, the surplus flows through a bi-directional meter back to the grid, often earning credits under Florida’s net metering program. These credits offset your electricity costs when your panels produce less power.

Grid-Tied Systems and Power Outages

In a typical grid-tied setup, solar panels automatically shut off during power outages for safety reasons. This prevents electricity from flowing into power lines while utility crews are working. As a result, standard solar panels alone won’t power your home during a blackout—unless you have battery storage or a hybrid inverter system.

This is especially important for Florida homeowners to understand: during hurricane-related outages, solar panels without batteries won’t keep the lights on. Many homeowners choose to add a battery backup or generator to ensure continued operation during storms.

Built for Florida’s Weather

Florida’s sunshine makes solar technology particularly effective, and systems here are engineered to handle the state’s challenging conditions. Professionally installed solar arrays are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, typically rated for 150–160 mph gusts (equivalent to a strong Category 4 hurricane).

Modern solar panels also feature impact-resistant tempered glass and weather-sealed frames for long-term durability. Before buying a solar-equipped home, confirm that the installation was permitted and completed by a licensed contractor—this ensures it meets Florida’s building codes and safety standards.

Pros and Cons of Residential Solar Panels

Installing solar panels brings many advantages but also requires thoughtful consideration, especially in Florida’s real estate and climate context.

Pros

1. Lower Electricity Bills
A properly sized solar system can significantly reduce your monthly electric costs. Florida’s net metering allows homeowners to earn full retail credit for excess power sent to the grid. Over time, this can bring your net annual electricity cost close to zero.

2. Protection from Rising Energy Rates
Solar energy provides a hedge against utility rate increases. Each kilowatt-hour you produce is one you don’t buy from the grid, creating long-term stability.

3. Increased Home Value (When Owned)
Owned solar systems are viewed as valuable upgrades, often increasing resale value by 4–7%. Florida’s property tax exemption means that added solar value doesn’t raise your taxes.

4. Clean, Renewable Energy
Solar panels generate clean, renewable power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels—an environmentally friendly choice that fits Florida’s “Sunshine State” identity.

5. Backup Power with Batteries
Adding a battery storage system allows you to power key appliances during outages, offering peace of mind during hurricane season.

6. Low Maintenance
Solar panels have no moving parts and require little upkeep. Most systems carry 25-year performance warranties and 10+ years on inverters, plus online performance monitoring.

7. Florida Incentives and Savings
Florida offers:

• 100% property tax exemption on solar improvements
  
  
• Sales tax exemption on solar equipment
  
  
• Full retail net metering for major utilities
  
  
• The 30% federal solar tax credit for purchased systems
  
  

Florida-Specific Solar Considerations for Home Buyers

Florida’s legal and utility landscape includes unique rules and protections that make the state particularly friendly to residential solar. If you’re buying a solar-equipped home in Florida, here’s what to keep in mind.

Solar Rights and HOA Rules

Florida’s Solar Rights Act (Florida Statute 163.04) protects homeowners’ right to install and use solar energy systems. Homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot ban solar installations or force you to remove existing panels.

They may request reasonable adjustments—like rear roof placement—only if it doesn’t significantly reduce performance. They also can’t require panel colors, fencing, or landscaping that blocks sunlight.

This means if you’re buying in a community with an HOA, you’re protected under state law. You’ll still follow standard architectural review steps, but the HOA cannot deny your right to keep or install solar panels.

Net Metering and Utility Policies

Florida currently has favorable net metering laws requiring major utilities (like FPL, Duke, and TECO) to credit homeowners at full retail rates for excess solar generation.

In 2022, a bill proposed reducing those credits but was vetoed, keeping full net metering intact. As of 2025, buyers can still expect one-for-one credits for exported power.

Smaller utilities (like Jacksonville’s JEA or Gainesville’s GRU) may use modified net metering with lower credit rates, so it’s wise to check your local utility’s policy. Typically, new buyers inherit the previous owner’s agreement, so transferring the utility account ensures continuity.

Also note: some utilities have minimum monthly bills (e.g., $25) regardless of solar credits. These details appear on prior bills and can be factored into your budget.

State Incentives and Rebates

Florida’s biggest incentives include:

• Property tax exemption: Solar value isn’t added to your taxable home value.
  
  
• Sales tax exemption: New solar and battery equipment is exempt from Florida’s 6% sales tax.
  
  
• Local rebates: Some municipal or cooperative utilities occasionally offer limited rebates for solar or storage.
  
  

Florida doesn’t have a statewide SREC market, but it’s worth checking whether the previous owner participated in any third-party credit programs.

Hurricanes and Insurance

Solar panels in Florida are built to withstand hurricane-force winds and are installed according to strict state codes (typically 150+ mph).

Your homeowners insurance should cover rooftop solar under dwelling coverage, but it’s important to confirm. You may wish to increase coverage to reflect replacement value (e.g., an additional $30,000).

Ask your insurer about windstorm deductibles and ensure the system was permitted and inspected, as this can affect claim eligibility. Before storm season, know where the system’s rapid shutdown switch is located and how to safely power it down.

After a hurricane, inspect for debris or damage—claims are generally processed like roof repairs. If your home includes battery backup, verify that it’s also covered under your policy.

Real Estate Transaction Details

Florida’s standard real estate contracts now address solar systems directly. The Florida Realtors/Florida Bar “AS IS” contract includes sections on fixtures (where solar panels qualify) and optional riders for items like PACE loans.

Buyers should request solar-specific documentation—proof of ownership, payoff statements, warranties, and performance data. If panels are leased, confirm lease transfer approval and any payment terms before closing.

The Florida Realtors Association encourages agents to identify ownership status early and use solar addenda when needed. Doing so ensures a smoother transaction and protects both parties.

Utility Nuances Across Florida

Florida’s energy market includes investor-owned utilities, city utilities, and co-ops. The larger providers follow the statewide net metering rule, but smaller ones may have caps or unique billing structures.

Because Florida doesn’t have retail electricity choice, you can’t switch utilities—so check your provider’s solar policy before buying. Oversized systems that generate more energy than the home uses don’t receive high payouts for excess production, so right-sizing your system is ideal.

Solar Water Heaters and Pools

Some Florida homes use solar thermal systems for water or pool heating. These differ from PV panels—they use the sun’s heat, not electricity.

Solar water heaters and pool heaters are tax-exempt and often long-lasting, but they should be inspected for leaks, aging components, and roof sealing. Include these systems in your home inspection to ensure everything functions properly.

Key Takeaways: Buying a Solar-Equipped Home in Florida

Buying a solar home in Florida can deliver immediate benefits—lower energy bills, greater energy independence, and eco-friendly living. But as with any major feature, understanding what you’re inheriting is crucial.

✅ Know how the system works: Review components, age, warranties, and hurricane compliance.
✅ Ask the right questions: Determine ownership vs. lease, confirm payoff or transfer, and request system documentation.
✅ Check insurance and utility policies: Ensure coverage, and review your utility’s net metering terms.
✅ Leverage Florida’s solar-friendly laws: Enjoy the state’s tax exemptions, net metering, and legal protections.
✅ Do your due diligence: Confirm all solar-related contracts are clear before closing.

With Florida’s sunny climate, supportive laws, and strong consumer protections, owning a solar-equipped home isn’t just a smart energy choice—it’s a sound real estate investment. By doing your homework upfront, you’ll enjoy all the rewards of solar power and peace of mind that your new home is built for the Sunshine State.