Free Solar Panels In Florida?

Can I get free solar panels in Florida?

No, you can’t get solar panels for free in Florida like most people would like to anyway.

There are no straight-up free solar panels to speak of.

We are not aware of any government giveaway programs, or any others for that matter that will get you straight-up free solar panels, and ads for government giveaways are most likely a scam.

There may be isolated cases of people or organizations getting special grants or winning some special giveaway and that is about it.  If we hear of any true free solar we will let you know.

Solar Options for “Free Solar Panels”

Even though there are no free solar panels like you would like, there are programs that will allow you to get solar panels installed, monitored, and maintained and have you saving money free of charge , so from a certain point of view they are free.

You can then use these programs to get a better handle on what you are paying for electricity start saving money and feel better about where you get your electricity.

While the prospect of receiving entirely free solar panels is unlikely, these programs can easily get you up and running with solar power. These programs take advantage of initiatives that aim to make solar energy more cost-effective, allowing individuals to harness its benefits and start saving money.

Although the free solar panel pitch can be misleading, the long-term benefits, including monthly savings and potential increases in home value, often result in a considerable return on investment.

The power purchase agreement

The power purchase agreement in short, is when a company installs solar panels on your roof at no cost to you, then you agree to purchase power that these solar panels produce. They install, monitor, and maintain the solar panels.  These companies have a vested interest in making sure the solar panels perform.  After all, if they don’t produce what was estimated you won’t be paying the company as much.

Quick Pro: They own the system, and get paid by what it produces.

Quick Con: Your electric bill will still fluctuate based on how much energy you use.

The solar lease agreement

The solar lease agreement is similar however you are leasing the solar panels that are put on your roof. The company will install the solar panels and should maintain them. However, they are not going to be as vested in keeping them running at peak efficiency.  You are paying for the right to use these solar panels not paying for the energy they produce. If done correctly throughout the year you should produce more energy than you use therefore covering your entire electric bill.

Quick Pro: You are trading a variable electric bill for a fixed lease payment

Quick con: You are leasing these panels, once committed you are locked into monthly payments regardless of how much energy the system produces.

Solar loan

The solar loan would be similar to the lease agreement in the sense that you will have a fixed monthly cost to pay off the loan and you would have this payment regardless of what the actual output of the system is.  If done correctly though you should cover your entire electric bill throughout the year.  The solar companies will generally work with you to make sure your monthly payment is going to be less than what you typically pay for electricity, saving you money.

Quick Pro: As the owner of your solar panels you get all the possible incentives that go along with it. The 30% tax credit, any state tax credits, increase in home value, net metering, and possibly others.

Quick Con: Liability, as the owner of the solar system, means you are fully responsible for the care and maintenance of the system.

Do it yourself solar

DIY solar:  With this option, you can dramatically lower your cost of getting set up with solar panels. By installing solar panels yourself you can save a ton on the installation costs. You can also look into sourcing out old, used, or even broken solar panels.

Many of these panels still work just not as well as they used to. This is where you can arguably find real FREE SOLAR PANELS. Although you still will pay with your investment of time.

In addition to traditional solar panels, you can look into alternative ways you use energy from the sun.

A few ideas are solar blinds, solar glass, solar cookers and others.

While the road to solar power may not be entirely cost-free, the financial gains and positive environmental impact can make it a sound investment in the long run.

Florida’s energy overview

Solar incentives that are available in Florida

Incentives that make solar panels affordable

1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):

Description: The ITC provides a tax credit of 30% of the cost of a solar installation for residential and commercial properties. This credit was set to expire in 2023 but was renewed for an additoinal 10 years.  The credit percentage rate phases down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

2. Net Metering:

Description: Net metering allows solar system owners to receive credits for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. These credits can be used to offset electricity costs during periods when the solar system is not generating electricity (e.g., at night).

3. State Solar Tax Credits:

Description: Some states offer additional tax credits on top of the federal ITC. The availability and amount of these credits vary by state.

4. Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs):

Description: SRECs are tradable certificates that power producers are awarded for producing power with solar energy. They represent the environmental benefit of producing clean electricity. System owners can sell these credits to utilities that need to meet their renewable energy targets.

5. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing:

Description: PACE programs allow property owners to finance solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades through an assessment on their property tax bill.

6.USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP):

Description: REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the installation of renewable energy systems, including solar.

7. State and Local Incentives:

Description: Many states, municipalities, and utility companies offer additional incentives, such as rebates, grants, and low-interest loans, to encourage solar adoption. These incentives can vary widely by location.

8. PACE Financing:

Description: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing enables property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through an additional property tax assessment.

9. Solar Access Rights and Easements:

Description: Some states have laws or regulations protecting the rights of solar system owners to access sunlight and prohibiting shading by neighboring structures.

10. Solar Grants:

Description: Certain programs, often at the state or local level, offer grants to support solar projects, particularly in low-income or underserved communities.

How it pays to go solar in Flordia

No matter which option you choose, the main goal of going with solar is clear.  You want to save money each money, get money back or increase the equity in your home or a combination of all three.

Lower your electric bill

The most direct thing people are generally thinking bout is eliminating your electric bill.  Now if solar panels were truly free you could get them installed, cover your electric needs, and have no bill for electricity.  That is a tall order.  However, you can go with a power purchase agreement or a solar lease.  These options will get solar panels on your roof and help you save money quickly.

The solar loan however is your best option.  You trade your electric bill for a loan payment.  The loan payment is a set monthly payment that won’t go up over time and when the loan is paid off there is no more payment for electricity.

Get cash back

Some incentives help lower your cost of going solar at the state and federal level and in some places even at the town level. These incentives help lower your cost of going with solar generally in the form of a credit against your taxes and If you are going to be paying money out it is better to put it into your property instead of just giving it away to the government.

Other incentives like net metering or the SCREC program can give you cash back.  Year over year if you have produced more electricity than you use the electric company will pay you back the difference.  This is generally a credit recorded on your statement throughout the year with the difference being settled at the end of the year.

The SCREC program is a credit you are awarded for having produced electricity with solar power.  These credits are awarded for every 1,000 kWh of energy produced.  You can then trade these credits on an open market that determines the actual value currently a SCREC can be worth anywhere between $5 and 500 dollars.

Increase your home equity

Adding solar panels to your home increases the value of your home.  In many areas, this home value increase is exempt from property tax.  on average you will increase your home value by about 4%.  or $10,000 for a $250,000 home.

Will solar work for me?

When deciding if solar is going to be a right fit for you there are several things to consider. Much more than simply getting a quote and deciding if you can afford it or not.

You need to know how much energy you will need, what kind of sun exposure you get, does your roof needs to be upgraded, and whether your roof going to need repairs soon. what is the design of your roof? and a few other things as well.

How much energy do I need?

When considering how much energy you will want your solar panels to produce you should review at least the last 12 months.  The more history of your electric use the better.

Averaging out your energy use

when looking at your past energy use year over year you are shooting for just slightly over wheat you use every year. with a grid-tied system when you have a surplus, excess energy is sent to the grid and when you do not produce enough you get energy from the grid.

Over the year you should produce more than you use when you balance everything out

If you are going with an off-grid system you would do the same except with an in-home battery backup system,  with days when you do not produce enough you’re pulling some energy from the batteries as well as during the night and then charging the batteries back up in the day when you produce more than you need.

Do I get enough sun?

This is a big consideration, they are solar panels after all, and do rely on the sun for power.  in some locations, you are just going to find that you do not get enough sun, or your home is in a good spot but is simply facing the wrong way.

Making it work

In some cases, there are things you can do.  If your sun is being blocked by trees you can cut those down.  You should also be aware of any trees that are likely to grow in the coming years that might be an issue.   Also, take note of your neighbor’s yard as well.  Do they have trees that are an issue or that may become one?  Also, keep in mind about possible future building projects, is there a possibility that someone would build a taller building next to yours?

Roof condition

Is your roof capable of supporting solar panels?  In some cases, structural additions are needed. You want to know if that is the case ahead of time. This cost would have to be factored into the overall cost.  However, these improvements may be included in the solar plan you decide to go with.

Roof sizing and design

The size and shape of your roof is also a concern.  A large flat roof pointing to the south is ideal in the US.  But the pitch of your roof matters too.

Local regulations

You will also want to check on any local zoning regulations.  Some towns or communities have by-laws that will prohibit solar panels from being installed.

Solar companies in Florida

Here are three well-known and reputable solar companies that have consistently been recognized for their services across the United States:

SunPower:

SunPower is a leading solar energy company known for producing high-efficiency solar panels. They offer residential and commercial solar solutions, including solar panel installations and solar leasing options.
Tesla Solar:

Tesla:

Known for its electric vehicles, is also a major player in the solar industry. They offer solar panels, solar roofs, and energy storage solutions. Tesla’s solar products are integrated with their energy ecosystem, including Powerwall and Powerpack.
Sunrun:

Sunrun:

is one of the largest residential solar companies in the U.S. They provide solar installation, solar leasing, and power purchase agreement (PPA) options. Sunrun is known for its focus on residential solar and energy storage solutions.