Going Solar in Clermont: Your 2026 Guide
With its rolling hills and strong Florida sun, Clermont sees high demand for air conditioning, leading to significant electricity bills from Duke Energy. For homeowners considering solar in 2026, the financial landscape has shifted. While the federal 25D tax credit for residential solar is no longer available for systems placed in service this year, strong state-level incentives and favorable utility policies keep rooftop solar a practical investment for reducing long-term energy costs.
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Solar System Costs in Clermont for 2026
The total price of a solar installation depends on the system size needed to offset your home's energy consumption. Based on local averages, a typical 11.7 kW solar panel system in Clermont costs approximately $26,325 before any incentives.
- Solar-Only System (11.7 kW): The estimated gross cost is $26,325. This system is designed to maximize energy production and offset a significant portion of a typical Duke Energy bill.
- Solar + Battery System (11.7 kW panels with 10 kWh battery): Adding a home battery for backup power increases the total cost to around $41,325. While a battery doesn't increase bill savings under Duke Energy's current rules, it provides valuable peace of mind and keeps your lights on during power outages caused by storms.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key Florida Solar Incentives for 2026
Even without a federal tax credit, Florida homeowners have access to powerful financial benefits that make solar a smart choice:
- Property Tax Exemption: This is a major benefit. Installing a solar system adds value to your home, but thanks to Florida law, it will not increase your property taxes. This exemption is in place through 2037.
- Sales Tax Exemption: You will not pay Florida's 6% sales tax on any solar energy equipment, including panels, inverters, and racking. This saves over $1,500 on a $26,325 system.
- Favorable Net Metering: Duke Energy's net metering program provides full retail credit for excess energy sent to the grid, which is a crucial part of the system's financial return.
An owned solar system can also be an attractive feature for potential buyers, possibly supporting your home's resale appeal down the road.
Net Metering: Duke Energy Florida
Retail Net Metering
Optional
How Duke Energy's Net Metering Works
Net metering is the policy that makes solar financially viable in Clermont. When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the excess power flows out to the grid. Duke Energy credits your account at the full retail rate ($0.137/kWh) for every kilowatt-hour you export. These credits are then used to offset the cost of electricity you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days. Essentially, the grid acts as a free storage system for your solar energy, ensuring you get full value for everything you produce.
Projected Savings
Projected Energy Savings with Duke Energy
Installing an 11.7 kW solar system in Clermont can generate substantial savings over its lifespan. With Duke Energy's current electricity rate of $0.137 per kWh, a homeowner could see estimated annual savings of $1,975. This results in a payback period of approximately 11.1 years for a solar-only system.
These savings can become even more valuable over time. If grid electricity from Duke Energy becomes more expensive in the future, the power your panels generate will offset those higher costs, protecting your budget from rate hikes.