Fort Myers, FL Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Fort Myers
With abundant year-round sunshine, Fort Myers is a natural fit for solar energy. In fact, Florida ranks 2nd in the nation for residential solar installations, and it’s easy to see why so many local homeowners are considering solar installation.
Rising costs are part of the story too. Florida electricity prices have climbed 26% from 2020 to 2024, leading more residents to explore cleaner, more predictable options. Here’s what you need to know about home solar panels in Fort Myers.
FLORIDA by the Numbers
2nd Most residential solar in the United States
251 Households have installed solar panels
5.6 Avg peak sun hours per day
~$85k Fort Myers average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Fort Myers, FL?
See real solar installation costs for Fort Myers, built from our actual local installs. Whether you’re in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, or North Fort Myers, this calculator uses firsthand data from your area to give you a clear, honest estimate—no guesswork, just numbers from homes like yours.
System Size
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in Florida.
Recommended System
10.53 kW
Your Monthly Payment
Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $135/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
System Cost
$28,316
Price per Watt
$2.69
Final Cost
$28,316
Monthly Savings
Average utility bill reduction: $194
Payback Period
Break-even point: 10.4 years
25-Year Savings
$84,930
Palmetto Reviews
I look at solar as a total scam and tend to shy away from a majority of Florida companies. This one was recommended by a company that I have personal great experience with and I went through the sales pitch. It all sounded good and what I wanted. 3 plans available and one was perfect for me. I signed up and everything went like clockwork. It’s been 4 months and I hear on the news of all the changes to power prices and I know I am barely affected. I am satisfied with what I was sold. Even my cars charge with no issue just on sunlight! Installation seems to have been done flawlessly. Nothing but praise so far. Already referred 2 neighbors.
— Anil Isaac, Florida, Florida
After talking to our local representatives from Palmetto Solar, we discovered that not only was solar a solution to control/reduce our energy costs long term, but it was a great way to do our part for the environment. The installation was seamless and was completed in only one day. And with no upfront costs (as in ZERO), we chose leasing vs. an outright purchase. We selected a fixed rate for 25 years and now are protected against future utility company increases like we’ve experienced each and every year. Our first 4 months with Palmetto Solar have proven more than just cost effective…we are generating 40% more kWh than we are using. Our local representatives have been nothing short of excellent to work with, very communicative, quick to respond and follow up. We are confident that we made the right choice.
— Tony M, Florida, Florida
Very knowledgeable, took their time to explain the process of the solar system and the value and benefits for me the customer. I am very pleased with this company and would recommend anyone to them.
— Anne Marichal, Sarasota, Florida
Key Takeaways
- Fort Myers gets 5.6 peak sun hours per day, making it one of the best places in the country for home solar production.
- Florida electricity prices rose 26% from 2020 to 2024, so going solar can help you gain more predictable, stable energy costs over time.
- Florida offers a sales tax exemption, property tax exemption, and full retail net metering to help lower the cost of going solar.
Fort Myers Electricity Prices
Florida electricity prices have risen since 2021, climbing from 11.9 cents per kWh to 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024. Prices can shift year to year, but the overall trend has moved upward.
Solar offers Southwest Florida homeowners a way to generate their own power. With abundant sun exposure, Fort Myers homes can produce electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and its changing rates.
Price of Energy: Florida vs National Average
| Year | Florida | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11.9¢ | 13.7¢ |
| 2022 | 14.1¢ | 15.0¢ |
| 2023 | 14.1¢ | 16.0¢ |
| 2024 | 14.1¢ | 16.0¢ |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
Fort Myers Area Utility Providers
In Fort Myers, FL, most homes get their power from LCEC or FPL. In 2023, LCEC charged about 14.5¢ per kWh and FPL charged about 15.0¢ per kWh. 2024 figures aren’t yet available.
Both local rates sit below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. LCEC also came in under Florida’s 2023 state average of 15.20¢, while FPL landed just below it—reflecting Florida’s mix of natural gas and utility scale generation.
Fort Myers Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|
| LCEC | 14.50¢ (-9%) |
| FPL | 15.00¢ (-6%) |
| FL Average | 15.20¢ (-5%) |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6
Florida Solar Incentives
Fort Myers homeowners can tap several solar incentives in Florida that help lower the upfront and long-term cost of going solar.
Statewide, Florida exempts solar equipment from the 6% sales tax and shields the added home value from property taxes through 2037. These savings apply to Fort Myers installations too.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Florida exempts solar energy equipment — including panels, inverters, batteries, racking, and installation — from the state’s 6% sales and use tax. | Learn More |
| Florida Property Tax Exemption for Solar & Battery Storage | Property Tax Exemption | Florida provides a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from residential solar panels and battery storage systems, active through December 31, 2037. | |
| Florida Net Metering — Investor-Owned Utilities (FPL, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, Florida Public Utilities) | Net Metering | Florida requires its four major investor-owned utilities to credit residential solar customers at the full retail electricity rate for excess energy exported to the grid. | Learn More |
| Solar & Energy Loan Fund (SELF) — Low-Interest Solar Financing | Rebate | SELF is a Florida nonprofit offering low-interest, no-down-payment loans for solar panel installations to homeowners with credit scores as low as 500, with interest rates between 5% and 9.5%. | |
| Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing for Solar | Rebate | PACE programs available in many Florida jurisdictions allow homeowners to finance solar and battery storage installations through their property tax bill, with repayment terms of 10–20 years. |
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Florida incentives.
Fort Myers Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Fort Myers enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, though summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity. Its southern latitude means strong sun angles, making solar production reliable and productive across every month.
Solar Production in Fort Myers by Month
| Month | Energy Production (kWh/day) |
|---|---|
| July | 41 kWh/day |
| December | 36.6 kWh/day |
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2.7 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 13 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.1 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2.4 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 18 hours
- or Fully charge 3.7 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 11 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 188 trees
Solar Panel Systems in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is served primarily by Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) and Florida Power & Light (FPL), and homeowners in both territories can go solar through a LightReach lease. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount instead of covering the full system cost upfront, so you can start saving without a large investment.
Leasing also removes the responsibility of upkeep. Palmetto owns the system, handles all maintenance, and includes a production guarantee, so you don’t have to manage repairs the way you would if you bought your panels outright in cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Myers, FL have net metering?
Yes, Fort Myers has net metering. Most local homes are served by Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) or Florida Power & Light (FPL), and both offer 1:1 net metering. This means the excess energy your panels send to the grid earns a credit at the full retail electricity rate.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Fort Myers, FL?
Yes. When you own your solar panels—either through a cash purchase or loan—they can increase your Fort Myers home’s value. A Zillow study found homes with solar sell for about 4.1% more. Florida also exempts this added value from property taxes through 2037.