A $174 monthly electricity bill in Sunset might seem manageable, but with Florida Power & Light's (FPL) rates consistently rising, that cost is a moving target. Taking control of your energy production with a rooftop solar system is the only guaranteed way to lock in low electricity costs for decades. For homeowners in Miami-Dade, it also provides critical backup power when the grid goes down.
Run your scenario: the calculator uses this city’s utility and tariff data.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
2026 Installation Costs for a Solar + Battery System
Investing in energy independence has never been more straightforward. Here’s the cost breakdown for Sunset homeowners:
- Solar + Battery System: The standard package for homeowners seeking savings and backup power costs about $23,500 before incentives.
- Your Net Cost: After applying the 30% federal tax credit ($7,050), the final investment is approximately $16,450. This system not only saves you money every month but also significantly increases your home's value without affecting your property taxes.
While a solar-only option exists for a lower upfront cost (~$8,050 net), it offers poor financial returns under current FPL rules and no backup power for grid failures.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Major Incentives Available for Sunset Residents
Florida homeowners benefit from several powerful financial incentives that make going solar much more affordable:
- The 30% Federal ITC: This is the big one. It's a dollar-for-dollar credit against your federal taxes, effectively giving you a 30% discount on your entire system, including the battery.
- No Sales Tax: Your solar panel and battery installation is completely exempt from Florida's sales tax.
- No Property Tax Increase: Florida law prevents your property tax assessment from rising due to the addition of a solar energy system.
Net Metering: Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Net Metering (HB 741 Modified 2024)
Optional
How FPL's Net Metering Affects Your Investment
The rules for selling power back to FPL have changed. For any system connected in 2026, the utility credits you at a wholesale rate for excess energy, which is much lower than the retail rate you pay. This makes a solar-only system less attractive. The smart financial move is to install a battery, allowing you to store and use 100% of your own power. This self-consumption strategy maximizes your return on investment and provides the best defense against FPL's policies.
Projected Savings
Real Savings with Solar in Sunset, FL
By generating your own clean energy, you can drastically reduce your dependence on FPL. A typical 4kW system in the Sunset area can produce nearly 6,200 kWh annually, resulting in over $850 in electricity savings in the first year alone. As FPL rates inevitably increase, your savings will grow each year. Paired with a battery, a solar system allows you to store the free energy you produce during the day and use it at night, effectively cutting FPL out of the equation for most of your energy needs.