Solar Homes in Florida: Do They Really Save You Money?

☀️ What to Know About Solar Homes in Florida: Do They Really Save Money?

With sunshine year-round and rising utility costs, solar panels are popping up all over Central Florida. But if you’re a homeowner or buyer wondering, “Is it actually worth it?”—you’re not alone.

Whether you're buying a solar-powered home or considering installing panels yourself, here's what you need to know about how solar works in Florida—and if it truly saves you money.

🔌 1. How Net Metering Works in Florida

Florida uses a net metering system. This means:

• Any excess energy your panels produce goes back to the grid
  
  
• You receive credits on your electric bill for that extra energy
  
  
• At night or on cloudy days, you pull from the grid (and your credits)
  
  

🌞 In ideal setups, some owners pay as little as $30–$50/month in electric costs.

💰 2. Owned vs. Leased Solar Systems

📍 This matters a LOT when buying or selling a home with solar.

• Owned systems (paid off) = more value and no monthly payment
  
  
• Financed systems = monthly payments, usually $100–$200
  
  
• Leased systems = often not transferrable, harder to sell
  
  

⚠️ Buyers and sellers must understand the contract terms—ask early in the deal.

🧾 3. What About Property Value?

Solar panels can increase home value, especially if:

• The system is fully paid off
  
  
• The monthly energy savings are well-documented
  
  
• You’re in an area with rising utility costs (like most of Central Florida)
  
  

📍 Appraisers may give value for owned systems, but it varies—have the docs ready.

💸 4. Do Solar Panels Really Save You Money?

Here’s what to consider:

• Payback period is typically 7–12 years in Florida
  
  
• Electric bills can drop by 60%–90%, depending on system size and usage
  
  
• In areas with high summer usage (like Volusia and Seminole counties), solar can make a big dent in cooling costs
  
  

⚡ If you're planning to stay in the home long-term, the savings add up fast.

☂️ 5. Insurance & Roof Considerations

Before going solar, think about:

• Roof condition: ideally newer than 10 years
  
  
• Insurance carriers may require documentation or increase coverage
  
  
• Panel removal costs if the roof needs replacing later
  
  

🔍 Talk to your roofer and insurance agent before installation.

🏡 Final Thought:

Solar homes in Florida can absolutely save you money—but only when installed properly, owned (or financed smartly), and maintained with care. If you’re buying, always ask about the loan, warranty, and production reports.

At The Peterson Group, we’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate solar disclosures, contracts, and even appraisals. We’ll help you make the right move—sunshine and savings included.