Why Florida homeowners pursued solar in 2019
In 2019, Florida homeowners mainly considered solar to cut rising electricity bills and gain more control over energy costs. The state's high sun exposure supports strong solar production, while retail rates remained above the national average. Unlike some states, Florida offered no state tax credit at the time, but federal incentives and local utility programs shaped the economics. This guide explains how to evaluate costs, incentives, and installer options specific to Florida in 2019.
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Key incentives and financial mechanisms available in 2019
Federal solar tax credit (ITC)
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit allowed homeowners to claim 30% of the total installed cost (equipment and labor) as a tax credit if the system was placed in service by 2019. This significantly reduced net costs, though the credit stepped down to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021.
Property and sales tax exemptions
Florida law excluded the added home value from taxable property assessments, preventing higher property taxes. Purchasers also benefited from a sales tax exemption on solar equipment and installation, lowering upfront costs.
Net metering in 2019
Florida's net metering rules allowed residential systems to export excess electricity to the grid and receive bill credits. Utilities required enrollment and standard interconnection procedures, which varied slightly by utility. Maintaining net metering eligibility was a core financial factor for payback calculations.
Typical costs and a 2019 benchmark table
Below is a concise, source-aligned snapshot of what Florida homeowners commonly saw in 2019. These ranges reflect installed costs after incentives where applicable.