The Sunshine City lives up to its name

The state of solar in St. Petersburg

They don't call Florida the Sunshine State for no reason. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks it fourth in the nation for solar energy use.^*SEIA.org, Solar State by State.2020 St. Petersburg contributes to that record with its commitment to using solar power for 100% of city operations by 2035, and with 87% of the city’s rooftops considered solar-viable, it's well-positioned to achieve that goal.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

How much solar energy does St. Petersburg produce?

As part of its sustainability plan, St. Petersburg has made a push for solar energy with multiple initiatives. For example, the Sunlit City Parks project saw the installation of 18 solar PV systems in city-owned parks and recreational sites, which now generate more than 261,000 kWh of clean energy every year. The city was also one of the first in the state to embrace solar co-ops and now hosts five programs.^*Tampa Bay Times. St. Pete co-op has the potential to bring more solar to the city | Editorial. February 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in St. Petersburg?

The biggest advantage of going solar in St. Petersburg is the potential electricity cost savings. Solar United Neighbors estimates that a 4 kW solar system could offer $20,000 in savings and $13,000 in net profit over 25 years, and these numbers increase exponentially with system size. They suggest an 8 kW system would offer $40,000 in savings and $26,000 in net profit over the same period.

However, the advantages of going solar reach beyond monetary gain. You can also achieve better energy security with a battery backup to provide power to your home if the grid goes down.

Solar energy is carbon neutral and reduces greenhouse gas emissions if it replaces electricity coming from carbon intensive fuel sources. Climate change is a hot topic here in St. Petersburg. If current trends continue, the entire Pinellas County region could experience a sea-level increase between 1.3 and 2 feet by 2050.

How much does solar cost in St. Petersburg?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Your household's energy needs

• The angle of your roof

• Roof space

• Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

• Weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Installers 2020/2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In St. Petersburg, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,050 to $16,200, or in other words, from $2.81 to $3.24 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

By state law, Duke Energy Corporation, the county’s electricity utility provider, participates in a net energy metering (NEM) program,^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information. which allows you to transfer any excess energy your system produces back to Duke for a credit on your utility bill. You can use this credit to offset any electricity usage from the grid in times of low solar energy production.

You also may be able to take out a PACE loan, which allows you to pay off the initial installation cost of a solar PV system by adding it to your property taxes. On top of that, there’s the ongoing 26% federal tax incentive.^*Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in St. Petersburg?

Before contacting a solar provider in your area, keep in mind that every solar system is different. Depending on size, material, and construction quality, installation costs and energy production levels will vary. Your specific energy needs, budget, and roof space should all be considered.

A reputable solar provider should offer you a consultation, where you'll receive an overview of your potential electricity cost savings, a system design, a price quote, and an overview of any rebates or tax incentives that may be available to you.

Get started today by requesting a consultation. We'll follow up to find a convenient time to meet. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.