What to Consider Before Purchasing Solar Panels

Florida homeowners are no strangers to sunshine – or to rising energy costs. So it's no surprise more and more are exploring solar energy as a way to take control of their electric bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and add value to their homes. But before you jump into solar, there’s a lot to consider before purchasing solar panels in Florida, especially if you want to make sure your home and insurance policy are prepared.

Here’s what you need to know to make a confident, informed decision – and what Edison Insurance Company requires to ensure your solar investment is protected.

Is Your Roof Ready for Solar?

One of the most important things to consider before purchasing solar panels in Florida is whether your roof is up to the job.

To be eligible for homeowners insurance coverage with Edison:

• Shingle or metal roofs must be 10 years old or less.
• Flat roofs must be 5 years old or less.
• Clay or cement tile roofs are ineligible for solar panel coverage.
• Your system must be installed after 2016 by a licensed solar contractor.
• A completed post-installation inspection and approved permit are required.

Why the roof matters: solar panels are a long-term investment. They have an expected lifespan of 25 years or more, so the structure underneath them needs to be sound and storm-ready.

Use a Licensed Solar Contractor

Not only is this a requirement for insurance coverage, but it’s also one of the smartest decisions you can make. Licensed contractors:

• Know how to follow building codes and utility interconnection rules
• Use certified equipment and safety-compliant installation methods
• Help ensure your system won’t cause fire risks, roof leaks, or costly repairs later

This step can’t be skipped if you want your solar system covered under your homeowners policy.

Know What Solar Photovoltaic Panels Actually Are

Your insurance documents might refer to solar photovoltaic panels, which is the technical term for the solar panels you see on residential rooftops. Here’s what it breaks down to: solar = sun; photo = light; voltaic = electricity. So, sunlight hits the panels, and material (e.g., silicon) inside the panel absorbs the light, causing electrons to move and create electrical energy.

It’s clean, renewable power delivered straight to your home – but only during the day. On cloudy or rainy days, the system still works, but at reduced capacity. And when the sun goes down? Your panels stop producing electricity entirely. This means you'll need to:

• Use electricity from the utility’s power grid at night, or
• Store excess power during the day in a battery backup system, or
• Use both – the solar dream team! – depending on your energy needs

Don’t Forget About Insurance Coverage

If you install solar panels on your home, the Coverage A – Dwelling amount in your homeowners policy must be updated to reflect:

• The replacement value of the panels
• The installation cost of the system

Your home must also be insured to at least 100% of its replacement cost estimate for the solar panels to be included in your coverage.

And when it comes to interconnection with your utility company, only Tier 1 and Tier 2 agreements (for systems producing 10 kilowatts or 11 to 100  kilowatts of power, respectively) are allowed under Edison’s underwriting guidelines. This means your system should be sized to power your home, not to act as a commercial power plant.

Understanding what to consider before purchasing solar panels in Florida includes making sure you won’t run into surprises when it’s time to file a claim.

You Have Options for Using Solar Energy in Florida

There are different ways you can go solar – and Florida homeowners have more choices than ever.

Buy or Lease Solar Panels Through a Reputable Vendor

There are dozens of solar installation companies in Florida able to design a system for your roof, explain your options (owning vs. leasing), and handle permitting. This is the most common route for homeowners who want to maximize long-term savings.

Use Net Metering, a Battery Backup – or Both

If you install solar panels, you can:

• Enter into a net metering agreement with your utility (such as Florida Power & Light or Duke Energy), which lets you send extra energy your panels generate during the day back to the grid – and earn credits helping you reduce your nighttime energy bill.

• Install a battery system at your home to store the excess power generated during the day, so you can use it after sunset or during a power outage.

• Or use both, depending on your goals and budget. In which case, you’d draw power from the battery first, then the utility’s power grid.

As a reminder, only Tier 1 (≤10 kW) and Tier 2 (>10–100 kW) systems are approved for coverage under Edison’s homeowners insurance underwriting guidelines.

Support Solar Power Without Putting Up Panels

If rooftop panels aren’t feasible for you, Florida power utilities offer easy ways for homeowners, renters, or condo dwellers to support renewable energy without having to install or maintain solar panels.

Florida Power & Light (FPL) has SolarTogether in which you pay a fixed monthly subscription rate for a share of energy from one of FPL’s solar farms and receive monthly bill credits based on your portion. The bill credits increase each year while your subscription rate remains the same. In this way, the program rewards long-term commitment – your initial savings are minimal but likely to become significant over time.

Duke Energy offers something similar, called Clean Energy Connection. Tampa Electric (TECO) has Sun Select, and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has Sun Choice. Check with your power company to find out what may be available to you.

What Florida Homeowners Should Remember Before Going Solar

Knowing what to consider before purchasing solar panels in Florida can help you avoid costly missteps when going solar – and ensure your investment is covered under your homeowners policy.

From checking your roof and working with a licensed contractor to understanding your utility options and making sure your insurance meets Edison’s criteria, you’re not just installing panels – you’re upgrading your home for the long haul.

Considering solar panels? Call your Edison agent before you install to review your coverage and get the right protection in place. Not yet insured by Edison Insurance Company? Visit our website now to get your quote.