The state of solar in Tallahassee

Tallahassee residents enjoy around 233 sunny days per year, and many are putting that sunshine to good use. The city was considered a leading “solar star” by the Environment America Research & Policy Center in 2019. The City of Tallahassee is also embracing solar power by creating solar farms and supporting individual solar installations to fulfill its Clean Energy Resolution of running on 100% clean energy by 2050.

How much solar energy does Tallahassee produce?

In 2019, Tallahassee had an installed solar PV capacity of 30 MW, equating to about 157 Watts per person. According to the City of Tallahassee, 2.248 MW of that capacity came from residential sources.

However, the city has experienced exponential solar growth since then. In January 2020, the largest on-airport solar installation in the world was completed atop Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). The 320-acre array produces 42 MW of solar power. It was built as an accompaniment to the airport’s existing solar array, a 20-MW system completed in 2018.^*Airport Improvement. New Addition at Tallahassee Int’l Creates World’s Largest On-Airport Solar Farm. March 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Tallahassee?

One significant reason to make the switch to solar is the health of our planet. Fossil fuel reliance contributes to health and environmental issues such as:

• Greenhouse gas emissions

• Rising global temperatures and sea levels

• Climate change results in devastating weather events

• Ecosystem change

As solar power is carbon neutral, utilizing solar energy is one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community.

Going solar also can offer financial advantages. Electricity rates in Tallahassee are about 8.5% higher than the state average and a little over 4.3% higher than the national average.^*Electricity Local. Tallahassee Electricity Rates. April 2021. In contrast, solar power installation costs in Florida have dropped 45% in the last five years.^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Florida Solar. Q4 2020. A 5 kW solar PV system could offer savings as high as $18,000 over 20 years and pay for itself within 12 years.^*Energy Sage, Solar panels Tallahassee, FL, April 2021

How much does solar cost in Tallahassee?

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

• Household’s energy needs

• Angle of the roof

• Local weather

• Available unshaded roof space

• Quality of the solar panels

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 Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Tallahassee, we found that the cost of installing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,300 to $16,200, or in other words, from $2.86 to $3.24 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

You may be able to offset your solar installation costs by taking advantage of Tallahassee’s net metering program.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Net metering allows you to transfer any excess power your solar system generates back to City of Tallahassee Residential Electric for a credit. This credit can be used to cover the cost of any electricity use from the grid.

The 26% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is another option to reach the break-even point on your solar system faster.^*Tax credits subject to change. Visit the dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Solar systems in Florida are also sales tax and property tax-exempt—you won't pay additional taxes on the value your solar system adds to your home.

What is the best way to go solar in Tallahassee?

When choosing a solar system for your home or business, it’s important to explore your specific energy needs, budget preferences, and the solar viability of your roof. You will also need to decide if you want a battery bank, a grid-tied system that allows for net metering, or a combination of the two.

A reputable solar provider can assist you throughout the design and installation process, provide a price quote, monthly savings estimate, and system design. They should also go over any available tax credits and incentives with you to help you make an informed decision.

Take the first step to upgrading to solar today by requesting a consultation. We'll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.