Solar Panels in Orlando & Central Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
If you own a home in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, you already have one of the biggest advantages for going solar: the sun. Florida averages 230–250 days of sunshine a year, and your air conditioner runs hard for most of them. That combination — abundant sun plus high energy demand — is exactly why solar makes so much sense for Central Florida homeowners.
At Advisor Solar, we help Orlando-area homeowners turn that sunshine into real monthly savings. Here's what you need to know.
Your Electric Bill Has Been Climbing — And It Won't Stop
The average Orlando homeowner pays around $140–$220 per month for electricity, with summer bills regularly spiking even higher when the AC is running full blast. Florida electricity rates have been rising steadily at 2–5% per year, and that trend isn't reversing. Every year you wait is another year of paying full utility rates — with nothing to show for it.
Solar changes that equation. When your panels produce energy, you use it. When they produce more than you need, Florida law works in your favor.
Florida's Net Metering Program — and Why You Should Act Now
Florida law requires all major investor-owned utilities — including FPL, Duke Energy Florida, and Tampa Electric — to offer net metering at the full retail rate. That means every kilowatt-hour your panels send back to the grid earns you a full credit on your bill. No discounts, no hidden deductions.
Here's the urgency: Florida's net metering rates are scheduled to decline in coming years. In 2026, the export credit rate drops to 60% of the retail rate, and by 2027–2028 it falls to 50%. Homeowners who interconnect sooner may lock in more favorable terms — which means the financial case for going solar is stronger right now than it will be next year.
Florida's Solar Incentives Still Stack Up
Even without a federal residential tax credit, Florida homeowners have strong state-level incentives that make solar a smart investment:
Property tax exemption — Your home value goes up after solar, but your property taxes don't. Florida exempts 100% of the added value from solar installations.
Sales tax exemption — You pay zero Florida sales tax on your solar equipment and installation.
Net metering credits — Every kilowatt of excess energy earns bill credits that roll over month to month, with any remaining balance paid out as a cash credit in January.
Research from Zillow shows the average home value jumps around 4.1% after solar installation. In Florida, where the typical home value is around $391,000, that's a potential increase of over $16,000 in resale value.
What Does Solar Actually Cost in Central Florida?
As of early 2026, the average solar panel system in Orlando costs around $2.09 per watt installed. Orlando homeowners are estimated to save an average of $63,000 over 25 years on electricity costs after accounting for the upfront investment.
With a payback period typically around 8–9 years and a system lifespan of 25–30 years, you're looking at 15–20 years of dramatically reduced energy costs — and protection from every rate hike that comes after that.
Advisor Solar Serves Central Florida Homeowners
Advisor Solar specializes in residential solar installation across Central Florida. We know FPL and Duke Energy interconnection requirements inside and out, and we handle every step of the process — system design, permitting, installation, and utility inspection.
No pressure. No runaround. Just experienced solar professionals who want to get your home running on sunshine.
Ready to Go Solar in Central Florida?
Florida's net metering window is narrowing. The sooner you go solar, the better the terms — and the sooner your bills start dropping.