Solar and Florida: two words that you might feel are interchangeable, considering Florida is the Sunshine State clocking in an average of 2,927 hours of sunlight each year across approximately 101 sunny days[1]. When it does rain, the bursts are quick and often result in less than 7 inches of rain per month[2] across the state. With such optimal conditions, it is no wonder the market size value for sunscreen in 2021 was 11.1 billion USD[3] – with Florida accounting for only like $11 billion of that (kidding. . . mostly).
As such, Florida is a prime location for solar system installation and name-brand companies are rushing to join the movement. Walmart, Target, and IKEA are just a few large corporations that have adopted solar in the last few years, accounting for 114.7 megawatts of solar power in the state[4]. These companies, along with thousands of residential home installations, make Florida the 3rd largest solar state in the United States. These systems account for 5.3% of Florida’s electricity[5], leaving a wide margin for growth and opportunity within the state’s infrastructure.
Programs like net-metering and sales tax exemptions make Florida a green energy beacon within the United States. This comes alongside drastically reduced pricing for solar panels compared to less than 10 years ago – for context, residential solar photovoltaic systems have dropped almost 70% in average cost from the mid-2010s[6]. Keep in mind, this is happening at the same time egg prices are rising upwards of 60% in 2022 alone[7]. I don’t know about you but this homeowner plans to build a solar power chicken coop and pay a nominal loan payment for solar that otherwise would be going to Big Egg.
There is no better time to join the solar movement. The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy estimates that by 2030, one in seven residential homes will be powered by solar. This is an incredible projection when you consider that a solar farm the size of Lake Michigan could generate enough energy to power the United States in its entirety[8]. Lake Michigan is big but it’s not that big.
Solcium Solar is not the only group who has taken notice of the potential for green energy and a decarbonized United States; supportive government policies such as the 30% ITC demonstrate our nation’s commitment to renewable energy. The current administration has launched initiatives to promote clean energy and lower electricity bills, delivering cost effectiveness back into the hands of the homeowner. Florida has continued to take this a step further, issuing a statewide energy goal to increase the use of renewable energy in Florida to 100% by 2050[9].
The appetite for solar growth in Florida, coupled with the drastically reduced prices for solar energy, government support for green energy initiatives, and rising utility costs make now a shining moment to learn more about solar and if it’s right for your home.
[1] National Climactic Data Center.
[2] Florida Climate Center, Florida State University
[3] Grand View Research, “Sun Care Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket & Supermarket, Pharmacy & Drug Store, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028â€
[4] SEIA, “Florida Solarâ€, 2022
[5] SEIA, “Florida Solarâ€, 2022
[6] Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, energy.gov. “Solar Energy in the United Statesâ€.
[7] “What’s causing the price of eggs to skyrocket nationwide?†PBS.  January 30th, 2023.
[8] “Land-Use Requirements for Solar Power Plants in the United Statesâ€, NREL
[9] “Florida has a new plan for moving toward cleaner energy, thanks to some 200 young people who pushed state leaders — especially Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried — to take action.†WUSF Public Media.
