In Florida, a 9.2-kW system for an average home costs about $19,589 after incentives in 2026, saves about $2,028 in the first year and pays back in 8.7 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 9.24 kW × $2.12/W | $19,589 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $19,589 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $19,589 | $2,028 | 8.7 yr | $50,560 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $19,589 | $2,028 | 8 yr | $78,946 |
| Rates stay flat | $19,589 | $2,028 | 9.8 yr | $28,862 |
| Survey price $3.1/W (LBNL) | $28,644 | $2,028 | 12.1 yr | $41,505 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $33,156 | $2,028 | 13.7 yr | $36,993 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $13,992 | $1,030 | 11.8 yr | $21,116 |
Verdict: at average Florida numbers, solar is a solid investment in 2026 — payback takes 8.7 years, leaving you $50,560 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in Florida: Utility net metering (FPSC rule): kWh credits roll monthly; leftover credits paid at reduced rate (~3-5¢/kWh) at annual true-up.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Florida average of $1,005/kWh adds $13,568 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 13.7 years.
EnergySage's Florida page lists a 10.2-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.