SunCents Logo SunCents

Is Solar Worth It in Midway, FL? 2026 Savings with FPL Rules

Explore 2026 solar savings in Midway, FL. See how FPL's net metering rules and an 11.3 kW system can deliver an estimated $1,742 in annual bill reduction.

Market Snapshot

Elec. Rate
$0.138/kWh
Sun Hours
5.4
Utility Florida Power & Light (FPL Northwest)
Tax Exempt No
Battery Optional
Data updated May 09, 2026

Analyst Note: Bill-based model (~11.3 kW)

Cost and savings sections below are sized to a typical system for this city’s average utility bill (~11.3 kW modeled). Typical monthly bill here: $175.16.

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.

Reducing Your FPL Bill in Midway, Florida

For homeowners in Gadsden County, the monthly bill from Florida Power & Light is a constant expense, with averages around $175. Installing solar panels in 2026 provides a direct way to reduce that cost by generating your own clean electricity. With Florida's strong sunshine and favorable state policies, a rooftop solar system is a practical home upgrade that can lock in energy costs for decades. Long-term utility inflation can improve the value of this bill offset over time, making today's investment even more powerful in the future.

Get a quick estimate tied to local rates and sun hours.

Open calculator

Benchmark Cost Analysis

What's the Upfront Cost for Solar in 2026?

In early 2026, the estimated cost for a fully installed 11.3 kW solar system in the Midway area is $25,425. This price reflects the total cost before any savings are applied, as the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar is no longer in effect for systems installed this year.

  • Solar-Only System Cost: $25,425
  • Adding Battery Backup: For homeowners seeking protection from power outages common during Florida's storm season, a 10 kWh battery can be added. This brings the total system cost to around $40,425. While it increases the payback period to over 17 years, it provides valuable energy independence.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Key Florida Incentives That Still Apply in 2026

Even without a federal credit, Florida provides crucial financial incentives that make going solar a sound decision for homeowners:

  • No Property Tax Increase: Thanks to a statewide exemption, adding a solar system will not increase the assessed value of your home for property tax purposes. This is a huge benefit that saves you money every year.
  • Zero Sales Tax: You won't pay Florida's 6% sales tax on your solar panels, inverter, or any other system components. This directly reduces the initial investment by over a thousand dollars on a typical system.

These state-level policies are designed to encourage energy independence and make solar more accessible for residents in areas like Gadsden County.

Net Metering: Florida Power & Light (FPL Northwest)

Policy Status

Retail Net Metering

Battery Priority

Optional

Understanding FPL's Net Metering Program

Your savings are directly tied to how Florida Power & Light (FPL) compensates you for surplus solar energy. Midway is under a retail-rate net metering structure. This means for every unit of energy (kWh) your panels produce but you don't use, FPL gives you a full credit on your bill. When you need to draw power from the grid at night, you use those credits first. This 1-to-1 exchange at the full retail rate of $0.138/kWh is what makes the financial case for solar so strong, as it ensures none of your production goes to waste.

Projected Savings

Projected Solar Savings in Midway

A properly sized solar installation can make a significant impact on your budget. For a typical Midway home, an 11.3 kW solar system is estimated to generate $1,742 in electricity savings annually. This works out to an average reduction of about $145 on your monthly FPL bill.

With these savings, the system is projected to pay for itself in approximately 12.0 years. After the payback period, the solar energy you produce continues to offset your electricity costs, offering decades of savings. An owned solar system can also be a useful long-term feature that supports your home's resale appeal.

Local Questions Answered

Do I need a battery for my solar system in Midway?
For bill savings alone, a battery is not required due to FPL's excellent net metering program. However, if you want to have backup power during grid outages caused by storms in the Panhandle region, a battery is the only way to achieve that with a solar system.
How well do solar panels hold up to Florida hurricanes?
Solar installations in Florida must comply with strict building codes designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Modern panels and racking systems are incredibly durable and engineered to handle the severe weather common to the region.
What is the real cost of a solar system in 2026 without the federal tax credit?
The real cost is the upfront price you pay. For an 11.3 kW system in Midway, that's around $25,425. The return on that investment comes from decades of reduced or eliminated electricity bills from FPL, which is why the 12.0-year payback period is a key metric.

Calculate Your Solar Savings

Enter your details below for a personalized estimate

Initializing Solar Engine...

* Calculations based on Florida Power & Light (FPL Northwest) residential rates (0.138/kWh).

Data Transparency & Methodology

Estimates for Midway, 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.