COMMERCIAL SOLAR FLORIDA

Commercial Solar in Florida: Complete ROI Guide (2025)Is Solar Worth It? Here's the Math

📊 Quick Answer

• Average payback: 5-8 years (with incentives)
• 25-year ROI: 300-600% (depending on usage)
• Federal ITC: 30% tax credit (through 2032)
• Net metering: Available with Duke, FPL, TECO
• Typical system cost: $2.50-$3.50 per watt installed
• Best for: High daytime usage, large roof space, stable business
• Not ideal for: Heavy shading, small loads, uncertain future

📅 Updated: February 2025•⏱️ 18 min read•✅ 10 Real Case Studies

Florida businesses face a critical question: Should we invest in commercial solar?With electricity costs averaging $0.11-$0.13 per kWh and the 30% federal tax credit extended through 2032, solar economics have never been more attractive.

But the real answer isn't one-size-fits-all. This comprehensive guide provides actual ROI calculations, 10 real Florida case studies, utility-specific net metering rates, and honest assessments of when solar makes sense—and when it doesn't.

💡 Real Example: Orlando Distribution Center

Company: 85,000 sqft warehouse, Orlando (Duke Energy territory)

Annual electricity cost: $108,000 (900,000 kWh @ $0.12/kWh)

System installed: 250 kW rooftop solar

System cost: $725,000 ($2.90/watt installed)

Federal ITC (30%): $217,500

Accelerated depreciation (MACRS): $145,000 tax benefit

Duke Energy rebate: $12,500

Total incentives: $375,000 (52% of cost)

Net system cost: $350,000

Annual solar production: 365,000 kWh (40% of usage)

Annual savings: $43,800

Simple payback: 8.0 years

25-year total savings: $950,000 (271% ROI)

In this guide, you'll learn:

✅ Complete solar ROI math for Florida businesses
✅ Net metering rates for Duke, FPL, and TECO
✅ How the 30% ITC + MACRS depreciation work
✅ 10 case studies across different industries
✅ Solar + battery storage economics
✅ Financing options (cash, loan, PPA, lease)
✅ When solar makes sense (and when it doesn't)
✅ How to select a solar installer

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☀️Is Commercial Solar Worth It in Florida?

Short answer: Usually yes, IF you have the right conditions. Florida's combination of high solar irradiance (5.0-5.5 peak sun hours daily), 30% federal tax credit, net metering, and moderate electricity rates creates 5-8 year payback periods for most commercial installations.

Florida Solar Advantages

✅ Why Florida is Great for Solar

• Excellent solar resource: 5.0-5.5 PSH (peak sun hours) daily
• 30% federal ITC: Reduces system cost by 30% immediately
• Net metering: All 3 major utilities offer it
• Property tax exemption: Solar doesn't increase property tax
• Sales tax exemption: No state sales tax on commercial solar
• MACRS depreciation: Additional 26% tax benefit over 5 years
• Rising electricity rates: 3-5% annual increases improve ROI

⚠️ Florida Solar Challenges

• Hurricane risk: Systems must meet strict wind codes
• Lower electricity rates: Than CA/NY (but still good ROI)
• Humidity/corrosion: Coastal installations need special care
• Afternoon storms: Summer thunderstorms reduce peak production
• No state solar incentives: (Federal ITC makes up for it)
• Flat roofs common: May need ballasted systems (more expensive)

Typical Florida Commercial Solar Economics

System Size	Cost (Installed)	After ITC	Annual Production	Payback
50 kW	$150,000	$105,000	73,000 kWh	6-7 years
100 kW	$280,000	$196,000	146,000 kWh	6-8 years
250 kW	$650,000	$455,000	365,000 kWh	5-7 years
500 kW	$1,250,000	$875,000	730,000 kWh	5-6 years

💰 Key Insight: Economies of Scale

Larger systems have lower per-watt costs ($2.50/W for 500kW vs $3.00/W for 50kW) and faster paybacks. If your business uses 150,000+ kWh annually and has 10,000+ sqft of roof space, solar economics are typically very favorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the typical payback period for Florida commercial solar?

5-8 years with federal incentives. Larger systems (250kW+) typically achieve 5-6 year paybacks, while smaller systems (50-100kW) take 6-8 years. This assumes 30% ITC + MACRS depreciation, good solar exposure, and net metering. Without incentives, payback would be 12-16 years.

Does Florida have state solar incentives for businesses?

Florida has no direct state solar rebates, but offers property tax exemption (solar doesn't increase property taxes) and sales tax exemption on solar equipment. The federal 30% ITC more than compensates for lack of state rebates. Some utilities offer small interconnection incentives.

How does PowerAuditor.ai analyze solar feasibility?

PowerAuditor.ai uses your electric bill to:

• Calculate optimal system size based on usage patterns
• Estimate solar production for your location
• Calculate 30% ITC + MACRS depreciation benefits
• Apply utility-specific net metering rates (Duke/FPL/TECO)
• Project 25-year savings and payback period
• Compare cash vs financed options
• Identify if roof size/orientation works for solar

Should I get solar + battery storage in Florida?

Depends on your priorities. Battery storage adds $300-500/kWh ($30k-$100k+ total), which significantly extends payback. Get batteries if: (1) You need backup power for critical operations, (2) You have high demand charges you can reduce, or (3) Your utility has terrible net metering. For most Florida businesses with good net metering, solar-only is better ROI.

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