St. PetersburgSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
St. Petersburg homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and Duke Energy Florida net metering. At 5.6 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $140/month bill (about 1,000 kWh) needs roughly a 7.4 kW system — 19 panels — and pays back in about 7.7 years.
Solar Incentives Available in St. Petersburg
Solar incentives in St. Petersburg come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Florida does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Duke Energy Florida sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Duke Energy Florida offers 1:1 net metering in St. Petersburg, and Florida exempts solar from sales and added property tax.
How Much Solar St. Petersburg Homes Produce
St. Petersburg gets 5.6 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,635 kWh per year here. A 7.4 kW system — the size that fits a typical $140/month Duke Energy Florida bill — generates roughly 12,100 kWh annually, worth about $1,694 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Duke Energy Florida Net Metering in St. Petersburg
Duke Energy Florida credits excess solar generation from St. Petersburg homes under Florida's full retail-rate net metering (~100% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Florida net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in St. Petersburg?
At Florida's 2026 average of $2.75/watt, the 7.4 kW system most St. Petersburg homes need runs about $20,350 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $6,105 — landing the net cost near $14,245, with payback around 7.7 years.
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