Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tampa Homeowners?
Florida homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
All
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Residential: 100% of the added value
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: floridapace.govIncentive Amount:
Determined locally
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: lakelandelectric.comIncentive Amount:
$5,000
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tampa
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider all of these elements in your business search.
Licensing and Training
Once an electrical professional in Florida has four years of field experience, including one year as an apprentice, they can pass two exams to earn a CV license with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Sunshine State also allows electrical contractors to install solar panels, but they may need to subcontract some tasks to a licensed roofer. Solar companies can also obtain certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Tampa
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Most Tampa homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,050 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,145 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $893 |
| Thin-Film | $522 |
| Solar Battery | $733 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,749 |
Financing Solar Energy in Tampa
There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Tampa.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.5 years |
| 5 kW | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | 17.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Tampa
How much money could I save by going solar in Tampa?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Tampa?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a wooded, rainy, or dark area?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Tampa?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or power companies require you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll earn a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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