Florida homeowners can go solar with $0 down through several routes. The right choice depends on your tax situation and long-term goals.
FL solar financing options:
- Solar loan ($0 down — recommended for most FL homeowners with tax liability): You own the system, keep the full 30% federal ITC, and benefit from the FL property and sales tax exemptions. Monthly payments often below current electric bill. Many FL lenders offer 25-year solar loans at competitive rates.
- PACE financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy): Available in many FL counties — no credit check, repaid through property tax bill. Florida has active PACE programs through providers like Ygrene and FortiFi. Note: PACE creates a lien on your property and must be disclosed at sale.
- Solar lease ($0 down — installer owns system): You pay a fixed monthly payment to use the system. You do NOT receive the federal 30% ITC. Savings are real but smaller than ownership. Lease encumbers property title — can complicate home sale in FL's active real estate market.
- PPA ($0 down): Pay per kWh at a rate below your utility rate. Installer owns system; no tax credits for you. Rate typically escalates annually.
For FL homeowners with meaningful federal tax liability, solar loan ownership is almost always the better financial outcome — the 30% ITC alone ($9,000 on a $30,000 system) makes ownership compelling vs. lease or PPA over 25 years.