Solar Panel Guides 2026 — FL, TX, CA, GA, NC & AZ

Quick Answer

We print no modelled system cost: no primary source publishes an installed price per watt, so compare itemised quotes on price per watt. Economics vary by state: California has the highest electricity rates, but under NEM 3.0 exported power is credited far below retail, so we do not print a California payback; Texas and Arizona benefit from among the highest annual sun hours in the country; Florida stacks a property tax exemption and a sales tax exemption; Georgia and North Carolina both offer state-level programs. The federal §25D residential credit expired for 2026 purchases, though leased and PPA systems may still capture 30% via §48E (for systems placed in service by December 31, 2027). We print no modelled payback figure for any state: no primary source publishes an installed price per watt.

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📺 Watch: Is Solar Worth It Across the South in 2026?

Correction (October 17, 2026): the system costs, first-year savings and payback figures spoken in this video came from our own model — an assumed price per watt times a typed system size, valued at each state’s average rate — and were withdrawn on October 17, 2026: no primary source publishes an installed price per watt. The electricity rates (EIA) and each utility’s export-credit terms stand. The narration uses the earlier figures.

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About Solar Panel Installers & Costs 2026 — All States

Solar makes financial sense across all six states we cover — but the economics differ meaningfully by location. California has the highest residential rate of the six states (33.61¢/kWh, EIA July 2026 state average), but under NEM 3.0 its exports earn far less than that, so our study does not price a California payback. Texas and Arizona offer maximum sun hours with strong installer competition. Florida's three-layer incentive stack is among the most favorable in the Southeast. Georgia and North Carolina both offer state-level solar incentives; the federal §25D credit expired for 2026 purchases (a lease or PPA may still capture 30% via §48E, for systems placed in service by December 31, 2027).

We print no modelled system cost (no primary source publishes an installed price per watt); the federal §25D credit expired for 2026 purchases, though a lease or PPA may still capture 30% via §48E (for systems placed in service by December 31, 2027). Most systems across these six states generate positive ROI for 25+ years.

Dreamy Leads Research compares NABCEP-certified solar installers across all 36 cities we cover. Our free tool gets you 3 competitive quotes from vetted local companies so you can compare panel brands, warranties, financing, and total system cost before signing anything.

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All Solar Guides — All 6 States

Solar Energy Savings by State (6)

Solar Incentives by State (6)

State Guides

In-Depth State Guides — 2026

Comprehensive statewide coverage, cost data, provider tables, and legal requirements across all 6 states.

Solar Research Videos (23)

Every figure on screen is sourced and dated. Each video has a full transcript on its page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Florida in 2026?

Yes. Florida's combination of high sun exposure, a sales tax exemption on equipment, a property tax exemption, and net metering makes solar one of the best financial investments for Florida homeowners in 2026. Most systems generate positive ROI within 8 years.

What solar incentives are available in Florida?

Florida homeowners can stack a 100% property tax exemption on added home value, a sales tax exemption on solar equipment purchases, and net metering credits (the federal §25D credit expired for 2026 purchases, though a lease or PPA may still capture 30% via §48E, for systems placed in service by December 31, 2027) through utilities like JEA, FPL, and Duke Energy.

How much do solar panels cost in Florida after incentives?

We print no modelled system cost for Florida: no primary source publishes an installed price per watt, so compare itemised quotes. The federal §25D credit expired for 2026 purchases, so a cash or loan purchase no longer earns the 30% credit; Florida exempts residential solar equipment from sales tax, and a lease or PPA may still capture 30% via §48E (for systems placed in service by December 31, 2027). Some financing options require $0 down.

How do I choose a solar company in Florida?

Look for NABCEP certification, a Florida solar contractor's license (EC or CVC), verifiable local installation experience, at least a 10-year workmanship warranty, and transparent pricing. Get at least 3 quotes before signing. Use our free comparison tool above.

Related research & tools

Sources

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Free Research · 2026

Multi-State Financial Cost Comparison — Free Fact Sheet

City-by-city rate data across all 4 verticals and 6 states. Auto insurance averages, 30-yr mortgage rates, solar install costs, and debt settlement figures for 36 cities. Free to download, cite, or share.

📍 36 cities · 6 states · 4 verticals View Fact Sheet →

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Interactive Data Tool · Free

Financial Data Explorer — live rate & cost data across all four verticals

The live dataset behind our research: auto and home premiums, mortgage rates and prices, solar payback, and household debt — pick a state or metro and see the real numbers.

📍 6 states · 36 metros · 2026 data Open the explorer →