Florida Homebuilders Go Solar with SunPower
Solar energy is powering the Sunshine State
Why should Florida homebuilders offer solar on newly constructed homes?
Cities across Florida have begun requiring builders to offer solar for new construction. For example, a South Miami law requires all new homes in the city to include solar panels.*Miami Herald, South Miami passes law requiring solar panels in new homes, 06/19/2017 https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/south-miami/article162307863.html This law should make solar for Florida homebuilders a priority moving forward.
That's why solar for Florida homebuilders is a high priority in your new home construction.
Florida is already doing an amazing job prioritizing solar energy production. Currently, the state ranks 3rd in the U.S. for solar installations, producing enough solar to power over 1.06 million homes.*SEIA, Florida Solar, Accessed on 04/21/2022 https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/florida-solar However, the state's impressive solar viability leaves plenty of room for new builds to continue taking advantage of solar energy production.
Creating a strategy to include rooftop solar panels on new home builds can help you stay ahead of Florida's solar game and prepare you for future residential solar usage laws that many other states have.
Why would consumers want to buy new homes with solar panels?
Purchasing a new home with solar panels offers numerous benefits for consumers.
First, Florida has a few significant goals for clean energy production. For example, the state plans to get 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.*WUSF Public Media, Florida to set goals for 100% renewable energy by 2050. but will it actually happen? 02/12/2022 https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/environment/2022-02-12/florida-to-set-goals-for-100-renewable-energy-by-2050-but-will-it-actually-happen Homeowners who have solar panels on their rooftops can contribute to these goals and feel good about their environmental impact.
Solar panels also boost a home's resale value. Potential buyers can consider your new build's long-term value and feel confident that they will be able to receive a high return on their investment when they sell the property down the line.
When you offer solar panels on new home builds, you allow homeowners to reap the above benefits without putting any work into their solar installations themselves. Often, the stress and added expense of the installation is what prevents homeowners from going solar. Removing this step from the equation (and rolling the cost into the construction price) can give prospective buyers the boost they need to purchase your new build and benefit from solar energy.
Are there financial incentives for Florida builders who use renewable energy?
Installing solar panels on a new home build can provide several financial incentives for you and your future buyer. Solar installation prices have decreased by 36% over the last five years in Florida.*EcoWatch, Cost of Solar Panels in Florida: Local Solar Installation Prices (2022), Accessed on 04/21/2022 https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/panel-cost/fl As a result, now is an excellent time to begin including solar on your new home builds and maximizing your profits from these solar additions.
Additionally, the future owners of your new home builds can take advantage of short-term and long-term incentives to reduce their overall energy costs with solar installations. For example, homeowners can receive a 30% Federal Tax Credit when they install solar panels on their homes.
Many utility companies across Florida offer long-term solar incentives to their customers. For example, energy companies often provide net metering, which allows customers to sell unused solar energy to their utility providers each month.
Solar energy systems have also been exempt from Florida sales tax since 1997.*DSIRE, Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption, 09/20/2021 https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/243 This exemption can allow your building company to save money when installing solar panels on new builds.
What's the best way to add solar to new single-family homes in Florida?
Collaborating with a qualified solar provider can streamline your process of adding solar to new single-family homes in Florida. A solar provider can analyze the unique factors in your home build that could impact your solar panel choice. For example, your provider may examine your:
Budget
Timeline
Available roof space
Energy needs
Solar viability
They can then use this information to create a custom solar installation for your home build.
Start working with our seasoned solar solutions professionals today by contacting us at SunPower. Chat with one of our customer service representatives to learn more about solar for Florida home builders.