SunCents Logo SunCents

Is Solar Worth It in Plantation, FL? 2026 Costs & FPL Savings

Explore 2026 solar panel costs and savings in Plantation, FL. See payback estimates with Florida Power & Light Co rates, even without the federal tax credit.

Market Snapshot

Elec. Rate
$0.1557/kWh
Sun Hours
5.7
Utility Florida Power & Light Co
Tax Exempt No
Battery Optional
Data updated May 09, 2026

Analyst Note: Bill-based model (~12.9 kW)

Cost and savings sections below are sized to a typical system for this city’s average utility bill (~12.9 kW modeled). Typical monthly bill here: $239.78.

At this bill level, modeled system sizes are often in the mid-to-high single-digit kW range. Use the calculator below to match your actual usage.

Cutting High FPL Bills in Plantation

With hot, humid summers in Broward County, air conditioning costs can drive Florida Power & Light Co bills to well over $200 a month. For homeowners in Plantation looking at solar in 2026, the landscape has changed. While the main federal tax credit for residential solar is no longer available for new systems, Florida's strong sunshine and state-level incentives still create a compelling financial case for generating your own power.

The key to making solar work is understanding the current costs, available benefits, and how FPL's net metering program turns your roof into a valuable asset.

See payback and NEM impact with your inputs in the calculator.

Open calculator

Benchmark Cost Analysis

Solar Panel System Costs in Plantation (2026)

For a typical home in Plantation, a 12.9 kW solar panel system is estimated to cost around $29,025. This price reflects the full installation cost in early 2026, without factoring in federal tax credits that have expired for new systems.

  • System Size: 12.9 kW
  • Estimated Gross Cost: $29,025
  • Estimated Net Cost: $29,025

Optional Battery Storage: Adding a 10 kWh battery for backup power during outages would increase the total cost by approximately $15,000. While a battery provides excellent peace of mind during hurricane season, FPL's net metering program means it isn't required to achieve significant bill savings.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Florida's Pro-Solar Incentives for 2026

Even without a federal tax credit, Florida homeowners have access to powerful state-level benefits that make solar a smart investment.

  1. Property Tax Exemption: This is a major benefit. Florida law prevents your property's assessed value from increasing due to the addition of a solar system. You get the home improvement without the higher tax bill. This exemption is secured through 2037.
  2. Sales Tax Exemption: Solar panel systems are exempt from Florida's 6% state sales tax. On a $29,025 system, this saves you over $1,700 right from the start.

An owned solar system can also be an attractive feature for potential buyers, potentially supporting your home's resale appeal if you decide to sell in the future.

Net Metering: Florida Power & Light Co

Policy Status

Retail Net Metering

Battery Priority

Optional

How Net Metering Works with FPL

Plantation is in Florida Power & Light Co (FPL) territory, which currently offers a retail-rate net metering program. This is the most favorable policy for solar owners.

Here’s how it works: When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the excess power is sent to the grid. FPL gives you a full credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export. These credits are then used to offset the cost of electricity you pull from the grid at night or on cloudy days. Essentially, the grid acts as a storage system for your excess energy, allowing you to zero out the usage portion of your bill.

Projected Savings

Estimated Annual Savings and Payback Period

A 12.9 kW system in Plantation is modeled to generate significant savings, directly offsetting the high cost of electricity from FPL. Based on a rate of $0.1557 per kWh, the financial returns are clear.

  • Estimated Year 1 Savings: $2,517
  • Estimated Payback Period: 9.9 years
  • Long-Term Value: After the system pays for itself, it continues to generate electricity, offering protection against future FPL rate hikes. If grid electricity becomes more expensive over time, the value of the power your system produces increases.

These savings calculations also account for a minimum monthly connection charge from FPL, which is typically around $30.

Local Questions Answered

Are solar panels durable enough for Florida's hurricane season?
Yes. Solar panel installations in Florida must comply with some of the strictest building codes in the country, designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Installers use robust mounting hardware to ensure the system is secure.
Without the 30% federal tax credit, is solar still a good investment in Plantation?
Based on current FPL rates and system costs, the answer is yes. A payback period of under 10 years is still considered a strong return on investment. The savings are driven by Florida's excellent sun exposure, state tax exemptions, and FPL's retail net metering program.
What happens if I move?
An owned solar system can increase your home's appeal to buyers. Unlike a lease, you can sell the system along with your home, transferring the benefit of lower electricity bills to the new owner. This can be a significant selling point.

Calculate Your Solar Savings

Enter your details below for a personalized estimate

Initializing Solar Engine...

* Calculations based on Florida Power & Light Co residential rates (0.1557/kWh).

Data Transparency & Methodology

Estimates for Plantation, Florida are produced by the SunCents Solar Engine (v1.2). We combine the following verified or standard industry sources:

Performance (PV production)

NREL PVWatts — modeled annual and hourly AC output (kWh), solar radiation, and system losses for a standardized array size so cities can be compared fairly.

nrel.gov

Electricity rates (tariffs)

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — state-level average retail electricity prices ($/kWh) and supporting series for economic context.

eia.gov

Incentives & programs

DSIRE — state and local rebates, net metering, and policy programs (summarized for readability; always confirm eligibility with a tax or solar professional).

dsireusa.org

Federal incentives

SunCents calculator net cost does not include a federal residential tax credit. Incentive rules change—check DSIRE, IRS/DOE guidance, and a tax professional before relying on any credit.

energy.gov

Utilities & interconnection

Where shown, local utilities (e.g. APS, PG&E, FPL, and other IOUs or munis) are mapped from public interconnection, tariff, or service-territory references so net metering and rider rules match your area—not generic national averages.