Solar Statistics 2026: Massachusetts & Florida

This page compiles the solar statistics that journalists, bloggers and homeowners in Massachusetts and Florida reach for most — costs, adoption, incentives, and payback — drawn from SEIA/Wood Mackenzie market reports, U.S. Energy Information Administration data, and the states’ own program documentation. Figures reflect the latest publicly available data as of early 2026, are rounded for readability, and get updated as new market reports land.

The national picture, in numbers

• The United States passed the 5 million solar installations milestone in 2024 (SEIA) — with the overwhelming majority residential.
• Solar supplies roughly 7–8% of U.S. electricity and has led all technologies in new grid capacity added for several consecutive years (EIA/SEIA).
• Typical installed residential pricing nationally runs about $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives.
• The 30% federal residential tax credit expired December 31, 2025 — 2026 purchases don’t get it, and stale “after federal credit” pricing still circulating online understates real 2026 out-of-pocket. What changed, explained.

Florida solar statistics

• Florida ranks in the top three states for installed solar capacity in SEIA’s rankings, with multiple gigawatts added per year in recent years.
• Average installed price: about $2.50–$3.50/W (≈$2.75/W midpoint) — a typical 8 kW system runs ~$24,000 before incentives. Full FL cost breakdown.
• Florida offers no state income tax credit — its incentives are the 6% sales tax exemption (≈$1,440 saved on a typical system) and the property tax exemption on added home value. Details.
• Net metering remains available through Florida’s major utilities — FPL, Duke, TECO — crediting exported power. How FL net metering works.
• Typical cash payback: ~9–12 years, driven by heavy air-conditioning usage.
• Unique FL financing: PACE (repaid via property taxes) and nonprofit SELF low-interest loans with no credit check.

Massachusetts solar statistics

• Massachusetts electricity rates run around 30¢/kWh — among the highest in the nation — which is precisely why MA solar pays back strongly despite less sun than Florida.
• Installed pricing runs modestly higher than FL, commonly ~$3.00–$3.80/W. Full MA cost breakdown.
• MA keeps a state income tax credit of 15% of system cost, capped at $1,000 — one of the few states with a personal credit still standing in 2026. Details.
• The SMART program pays per-kWh incentives on production in participating utility territories. How SMART works.
• Battery owners can earn hundreds per year via Mass Save ConnectedSolutions demand-response payments. The battery program, explained.
• Typical payback: often ~7–10 years — high rates beat high sunshine.

MA vs FL at a glance

• Cheaper install: Florida. Faster payback: often Massachusetts — the rate difference outweighs the sunshine difference.
• State income credit: MA yes ($1,000 cap), FL no.
• Production incentive: MA (SMART) yes, FL no.
• Tax exemptions: both states exempt solar from sales and property tax effects.

Compiled from SEIA/Wood Mackenzie Solar Market Insight reports, U.S. EIA electricity data, DSIRE incentive records, and Massachusetts (SMART, Mass Save) and Florida (statutory exemptions, PACE/SELF) program documentation. Verify current-year figures against primary sources for formal use.