The short answer
For most Central Florida homes on FPL, Duke Energy Florida or Tampa Electric, yes. Buying now pays back more slowly than it did with the 30% credit, but it still beats 25 years of rising bills. With OUC, KUA or SECO it depends on how much of your solar your home uses during the day. A lease or subscription can save money from the first month.
What changed in 2026
The 30% federal tax credit for buying solar ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Everything else that makes Florida solar work is still here: strong sun, full retail net metering with FPL, Duke and Tampa Electric, no sales tax on solar equipment, and no property tax increase for adding it.
The savings for a typical FPL home
Take a home that uses 12,000 kWh a year, about 1,000 kWh a month. In 2026, FPL bills about $137 for 1,000 kWh.
| Without solar | With solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly bill | About $137 | About $30 (FPL’s minimum) |
| Yearly electric cost | About $1,640 | About $360 |
| Yearly savings | About $1,280 |
If FPL rates rise 3% a year, those savings add up to roughly $45,000 over 25 years, the length of a typical panel warranty. Your proposal shows your own payback using your actual system price, so you can compare it to these savings directly.
Why it’s different with OUC, KUA and SECO
These utilities credit exported solar below retail. OUC pays about 5.5¢ for each exported kWh on new systems starting November 1, 2026, while you pay about 11.5¢ or more to buy one. So the system has to be sized to what your home uses while the sun is up, and a battery may be part of the plan. The savings are real but smaller per panel. See our Florida net metering guide.
When leasing or a subscription makes more sense
The company that owns a leased or subscription system can still claim a federal credit, and that can lower what you pay. These options need little or nothing upfront, and maintenance is the provider’s job. Our subscription guarantees savings off your utility bill. The tradeoff: you don’t own the system. Compare options on our financing page.
Who should wait
- Your roof needs replacing in the next few years.
- You plan to move within about 5 years and want to buy outright.
- Heavy shade covers most of your roof.
Common questions
Did Florida end net metering? No. FPL, Duke and Tampa Electric still credit exports at full retail each month.
Will my bill go to zero? No. FPL and Duke keep a $30 minimum, and every utility has a customer charge.
Is the tax credit coming back? Nothing in current law brings it back for homeowners who buy.
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. We checked these facts on October 8, 2026. Rules and rates change, so we confirm what applies to your home before you sign.