Solar panels in Tampa — still worth it without the federal credit

Is solar worth it in Tampa in 2026?

Yes — and Tampa is actually one of the stronger solar markets in Florida. The Tampa Bay area averages 5.4 peak sun hours per day, utility rates have continued climbing, and both major utilities — Tampa Electric (TECO) and Duke Energy — offer full retail net metering. That means every kilowatt-hour your panels produce but don't use gets credited to your bill at the same rate you pay, making the ongoing savings substantial.

The landscape changed in 2026 with the expiration of the federal 30% residential solar tax credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. For Tampa homeowners buying a system outright, that credit is no longer available. But Florida's state-level incentives are entirely intact — and for Tampa specifically, the combination of high sun exposure and competitive installer pricing keeps the economics compelling.

Tampa 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. On a $22,000 Tampa system, that's $1,320 saved at the point of purchase — automatically applied by your installer, no application needed.

Florida Property Tax Exemption

Solar increases your home's value — typically by 3–4%. Florida exempts 100% of that added value from property tax assessment. Your tax bill stays exactly where it is even as your home appreciates.

TECO Full Retail Net Metering

Tampa Electric is required by Florida law to credit excess solar energy at the full retail electricity rate. On sunny days when your panels produce more than you use, that surplus flows to the grid and comes right off your next bill. A well-sized system can offset virtually your entire electric bill over the course of a year.

PACE Financing

Property Assessed Clean Energy financing is available throughout the Tampa Bay area. It lets homeowners go solar with zero upfront cost, repaying through their property tax bill over time. No traditional credit check is required, and the loan can transfer to a new owner if you sell your home.

How much does solar cost in Tampa in 2026?

Florida solar costs have fallen to approximately $2.20 per watt in 2026. For a typical Tampa household spending $196/month on electricity, you'd need roughly a 10kW system — approximately $22,000 before incentives. After the Florida sales tax exemption, your net cost drops to around $20,680.

With full retail net metering saving roughly $167/month and assuming a conservative 3% annual utility rate increase, Tampa homeowners are looking at a payback period of 9–11 years — then 14+ years of near-free electricity through the end of the panel's 25-year lifespan.

TECO vs Duke Energy in Tampa — which is better for solar?

Tampa Electric (TECO) serves the city of Tampa and most of Hillsborough County, while Duke Energy Florida serves parts of the surrounding region including some Pasco and Polk County areas. Both offer full retail net metering as mandated by Florida law.

In practice, TECO tends to have a more streamlined interconnection process for residential solar. Duke Energy's approval timelines can run longer in some cases. Either way, both utilities will credit your excess generation at the full retail rate — which is the number that matters most for your long-term savings.

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Frequently asked questions — Tampa solar 2026