Is rooftop solar in Little Havana a smart financial move in 2026?
With the main federal solar tax credit having expired, many homeowners are asking this question. The answer depends less on tax incentives and more on local factors: the high cost of electricity from Florida Power & Light, Florida's strong sunshine, and state-specific financial perks that remain in place. For many, the numbers still point to significant long-term savings.
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Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
What Do Solar Panels Cost in Little Havana?
To offset a typical household electricity bill of around $218 per month, a 12.0 kW solar system is a common size. In early 2026, the all-in cost for a system like this is estimated to be $27,000.
- System Size: 12.0 kW
- Estimated Total Cost: $27,000
- Payback Period: Approximately 10.2 years
This upfront cost is the primary investment. Without a federal credit, the focus shifts to how quickly the system pays for itself through direct energy savings from your FPL bill.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Florida's Enduring Solar Benefits
Even without a federal tax credit in 2026, Florida homeowners have access to powerful incentives that make solar a more attractive investment:
- No Property Tax Increase: Under Florida law, adding a solar system will not increase your property's assessed value for tax purposes. This is a significant, permanent financial benefit.
- Sales Tax Exemption: You will not pay Florida's 6% sales tax on the purchase of your solar equipment, reducing the upfront cost of the system by over a thousand dollars.
- Favorable Net Metering: FPL's net metering program ensures you get full value for the excess power you contribute to the grid, which is the foundation of solar savings in the state.
Net Metering: Florida Power & Light Co
Retail Net Metering
Optional
How FPL's Net Metering Maximizes Your Solar Investment
Net metering is the policy that makes solar financially viable for most homeowners in the FPL service area. It works as a simple trade: when your panels overproduce during the day, you send that power to the grid and receive a full retail-rate credit. At night, when you need to draw power from the grid, you use those credits to cover the cost. This 1-for-1 exchange allows a properly sized system to eliminate the majority of your monthly electricity charges, leaving just a small fixed connection fee.
Projected Savings
Projected Savings with Rooftop Solar
A 12.0 kW system in Little Havana is projected to save a homeowner $2,256 in electricity costs in its first year. This is achieved by generating your own power instead of buying it from FPL at their current rate of $0.1557 per kWh.
The value of solar can grow over time. As utility rates trend upward, the electricity your panels produce becomes more valuable each year, acting as a hedge against energy inflation. An owned solar system may also support your home's resale appeal, offering a tangible benefit beyond the monthly utility bill.