Is solar worth it in Miami in 2026?
Miami is Florida's largest solar market and one of the best in the entire country. With 5.6 peak sun hours per day — among the highest of any major US city — Miami homeowners generate more electricity per panel than virtually anywhere else in the Southeast. Florida Power & Light (FPL) serves the vast majority of South Florida and offers full retail net metering, meaning every excess kilowatt-hour you send to the grid comes straight back off your bill.
The 2026 landscape changed with the expiration of the 30% federal residential tax credit. But Miami's combination of high electricity rates, abundant sunshine, and intact Florida state incentives means the economics remain strong. High Miami electric bills — averaging $215/month — mean faster payback and larger absolute savings than most other Florida markets.
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. Lease and PPA arrangements still access a commercial version through 2027 — installers typically pass savings through as lower monthly rates.
Miami solar incentives still available in 2026
Florida Sales Tax Exemption
All solar equipment and installation in Florida is exempt from the 6% state sales tax — automatically applied by your installer. On a $22,000 Miami system, that's $1,320 back in your pocket at purchase with no application required.
Florida Property Tax Exemption
Solar increases your Miami home's value by roughly 3–4% — in Miami's hot real estate market, that's meaningful. Florida exempts 100% of that added value from property tax assessment, so your annual taxes stay flat even as your equity grows.
FPL Full Retail Net Metering
Florida Power & Light credits excess solar generation at the full retail electricity rate — currently around $0.148/kWh in South Florida, among the higher rates in the state. Miami's abundant sunshine means your system will produce excess power on most days, and FPL banks those credits month-to-month. A properly sized system typically offsets 85–100% of a Miami home's annual electric bill.
High electric bills + highest sun hours + full retail net metering = the best combination of any Florida market. Miami homeowners consistently see the fastest payback periods and highest 25-year savings of any city in the state.
PACE Financing
Property Assessed Clean Energy financing is widely available throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Zero upfront cost, no traditional credit check, and the loan transfers to new owners if you sell — making it particularly attractive in Miami's active real estate market.
How much does solar cost in Miami in 2026?
Florida-wide solar costs have fallen to approximately $2.20 per watt in 2026. For a typical Miami home spending $215/month on electricity, you'd need roughly a 10–11kW system — approximately $22,000–$24,200 before incentives. After Florida's sales tax exemption, net cost drops to $20,680–$22,748.
At $183/month in savings and assuming a 3% annual utility rate increase, Miami homeowners typically hit payback in 8–11 years — then enjoy 14+ years of near-free power through the panel's 25-year lifespan, accumulating $56,000+ in total savings.
10kW system · $22,000 gross · −$1,320 FL sales tax exemption · = $20,680 net · $183/mo savings · ≈ 9.4-year payback · $56,000+ 25-year savings (3% utility rate increase assumed)
Use our free Miami solar calculator
Enter your monthly FPL bill below for an instant estimate — pre-loaded with Miami's 5.6 sun hours, FPL rates, and accurate 2026 Florida incentives.