Florida, “the sunshine state,” ranks third in the nation for solar potential, but all the way down at 17th for solar capacity installed in 2012. Florida’s solar policies lag behind many other states in the nation: it has no renewable portfolio standard and does not allow power purchase agreements, two policies that have driven investments in solar in other states.
Facts on the Florida Solar Industry
- There are currently more than 277 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Florida, employing 2,500.
- Florida ranked 17th nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
- In 2012, Florida ranked 17th nationally in solar capacity installed.
- Florida ranks 11th nationally in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 18,000 homes.
- In 2012, $82 million was invested in Florida to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 222% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
- Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Florida continue to fall--by 16% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.
View more solar data.
Notable Solar Installations in Florida
- Martin County Generation Solar Center in Martin County came online in 2010. This 75 MW project is a hybrid solar facility, connected to an existing combined-cycle natural gas plant to offset fossil fuel usage. Over 30 years, the facility will prevent 2.75 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and is estimated to save customers $178 million in fuel costs over its lifetime.
- DeSoto Generating Solar Center in DeSoto County is a 25 MW solar photovoltaic system that has been online since 2009. 400 jobs were created during the construction of this project.
- The Sorrento Solar Farm is currently under construction and is expected to displace 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. When completed, this 40 MW photovoltaic project will power up to 8,000 Florida homes.
See our solar installations maps.
Solar Companies in Florida
There are currently more than 277 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Florida. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels. These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 46 manufacturers, 20 manufacturing facilities, 140 contractor/installers, 13 project developers, 28 distributors and 50 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.
Florida State Solar Policy Resources
Florida Public Service Commission - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Florida public utilities
Florida State Legislature - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Florida
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
Florida Energy Consortium - The consortium assists the state in the development and implementation of an environmentally compatible, sustainable, and efficient energy strategic plan.
DSIRE Incentives Database Florida - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Florida and across the United States
US Energy Information Administration- Florida State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
