Florida’s rise as a solar superpower is a testament to the state’s commitment to renewable energy, despite some setbacks in climate change policy. Last May, Florida made headlines for deleting any reference to climate change from its state policies, a move that Governor Ron DeSantis touted as a rejection of the “radical green zealots.” However, this did not deter the state from making significant strides in solar power.
In a surprising turn of events, Florida surpassed California in new utility-scale solar capacity installed last year, coming in second only to Texas. The state added a whopping 3 gigawatts of large-scale solar power in 2024, cementing its position as a national leader in solar energy. Additionally, Florida has consistently ranked second behind California in residential solar installations from 2019 to 2024, showcasing its long-standing commitment to solar energy adoption.
According to experts at Wood Mackenzie, Florida is expected to maintain its second-place position in utility-scale solar installations in 2025, competing closely with California. Despite receiving only 8 percent of its electricity from solar sources, Florida’s solar surge is attributed to a combination of favorable weather conditions and supportive state and federal policies.
Zachary Colletti, the executive director of the Florida chapter of Conservatives for Clean Energy, emphasized the abundance of sunshine in the state as a major driving force behind its solar growth. Florida’s susceptibility to extreme weather events has also motivated residents to invest in solar panels for home resilience, as highlighted by Yoca Arditi-Rocha, the executive director of The CLEO Institute.
The availability of tax credits under former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has further incentivized solar panel purchases, making them more affordable for homeowners. However, Florida’s solar success predates these federal incentives, with favorable state policies playing a crucial role in the state’s solar expansion. Municipalities and counties have limited authority over power plant siting, giving the Florida Public Service Commission control over permitting and approval processes.
Moreover, solar plants with a capacity under 75 megawatts are exempt from review and permitting under the Florida Power Plant Siting Act, making it easier and more cost-effective for major utilities to build solar farms. Florida’s journey to becoming a solar superpower is a testament to the state’s resilience and commitment to clean energy, despite challenges in climate change policy. Companies like NextEra Energy–owned Florida Power & Light have been leading the charge in Florida’s solar energy buildout. These companies have been piecing together gigawatts of solar power through the development of small-scale solar farms. While there has been a surge in the installation of solar projects at gigawatt scales, many of these projects are actually in the range of 74 to 74.9 megawatts. This size range is easier to permit in the state, allowing developers to streamline the process and avoid longer permitting timelines.
However, the rapid expansion of solar farms in rural areas has sparked some opposition. State Senator Keith Truenow recently introduced a bill that would grant additional local control over the siting and permitting of solar farms on agricultural land. This legislation aims to address concerns from residents in rural areas who feel overwhelmed by the abundance of solar installations.
Despite the pushback, Governor DeSantis has shown support for Florida’s solar industry. In 2022, he vetoed a bill that would have ended the state’s net metering program, which allows homeowners with rooftop solar to receive compensation for excess electricity sent back to the grid. This move was praised by advocates for rooftop solar, who believe that net metering is essential for empowering homeowners to reduce their energy costs and take control of their energy consumption.
A recent telephone survey conducted in February 2022 found that a majority of registered Florida voters, including Republicans, support net metering. This bipartisan support highlights the importance of solar energy in Florida and the potential for continued growth in the state’s solar industry.
Overall, the future of solar energy in Florida looks bright. By harnessing the power of the sun, the state can continue to lead the way in renewable energy development and create a more sustainable future for all residents.
