Florida Utilities Expanded Solar Power Capacity

Despite the removal of federal tax credits in 2025, major Florida utilities continue to grow solar energy production.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Utilities

Florida Utilities Expanded Solar Power Capacity

Live Poll

Should Florida utility companies continue to prioritize solar energy expansion as part of their power plans?

Florida utility companies have ramped up solar generation even after the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated solar tax credits. Solar now accounts for 8% of the state energy mix, while natural gas remains the dominant source at 75%.

Why it matters

Utilities report that dramatic cost reductions for solar panels have outweighed the loss of tax incentives, driving continued infrastructure investment. This transition persists despite skepticism from some political figures who have labeled solar power a fad.

Solar panels now cost approximately 12 cents per watt, down significantly from $5 to $6 per watt in 2000. Statewide utility solar capacity has grown by 33% since 2025.

The players

Florida Power & Light

This is a major electric utility company serving a large portion of Florida's residential and business customers.

Duke Energy Florida

This subsidiary of Duke Energy provides electricity to customers across several Florida counties.

Tampa Electric Co.

This utility provider delivers power to residents and businesses primarily located in the Tampa Bay region.

Byron Donalds

He is a Republican candidate who publicly characterized solar power as a fad during a recent campaign event.

Florida Legislature

This state governing body is responsible for passing legislation and authorizing studies related to state energy policy.

The details

Florida Power & Light aims to reach 26% solar generation by 2035, while Duke Energy Florida plans to add 12 new solar sites to the grid by 2027. Tampa Electric Co. generated 12% of its energy from solar power in the year ending June 2026 and expects to reach 17% next year.

Solar panels cost $5-$6 per watt in 2000.
The Florida Legislature approved a bill for a nuclear feasibility study in 2024.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act removed solar tax credits in 2025.
Tampa Electric solar generation data was recorded through June 2026.
Major utilities have set 2035 as a primary target year for expanded solar capacity goals.

Market Landscape

The utility sector in Florida is increasingly pivoting toward solar to capitalize on plummeting hardware costs. This shift forces a re-evaluation of energy portfolios as solar begins to challenge the dominance of traditional natural gas generation across the state.

As utilities integrate more solar, residents may see shifts in grid reliability and long-term rate structures. Continued investment in renewable sites suggests that major providers are prioritizing solar adoption as a primary component of future service capacity.

The takeaway

The rapid decline in solar panel costs has made renewable energy a viable investment for utilities even without federal tax support. Residents should expect solar to represent a growing share of their electricity supply as companies move toward their 2035 sustainability targets.