Picture this: your Florida home humming with clean solar power—AC cranking, lights blazing, and your FPL bill slashed—all without dropping a dime upfront. In the Sunshine State, where 5.8-5.9 peak sun hours daily are practically a birthright, leasing solar panels is a hot ticket for tapping into that endless rays without the hefty buy-in. As of March 31, 2025, Florida’s solar scene is buzzing, but high initial costs—think $17,000-$23,000 for a typical system—keep many from owning outright. Enter solar leasing: a no-money-down path to green energy that’s gaining steam.
This guide is your roadmap to leasing solar panels in Florida—where to find the best providers, what to watch for, and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re in Miami’s urban sprawl, Tampa’s storm-prone coast, or Davie’s suburban stretch, we’ve got the top 10 leasing companies ready to light up your life. We’ll break down why leasing fits Florida, the pros and cons, and who’s leading the pack in 2025. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to turn—and how to snag solar savings without the sticker shock.
Why Lease Solar Panels in Florida?
Sunshine State Advantage
Florida’s nickname isn’t just cute—it’s a solar goldmine. With 5.8-5.9 peak sun hours daily, per weather data, a leased 5.4 kW system can churn out 7,900 kWh yearly, wiping out a $128 monthly FPL bill (14-15¢/kWh). Leasing lets you cash in on that sun without the $11,900-$13,230 net cost (post-30% ITC) of buying. It’s instant access to free power, Florida-style.
Rising Rates, Rising Appeal
FPL’s rates are sneaky—14-15¢/kWh in 2025, up from 10¢ a decade ago, with a 1,000 kWh habit hitting $140-$150 monthly. Experts predict 3% annual hikes, making solar a shield against the squeeze. Leasing locks in predictable payments, often below utility rates, dodging the escalation trap while FPL keeps climbing.
No Upfront Cash Crunch
Buying solar outright or via loans (even $0-down ones) means owning the system—and the 7-9 year payback wait. Leasing? You’re in day one—no cash, no loans, just a monthly fee. For Florida’s budget-conscious—renters, retirees, or storm-weary homeowners—it’s a low-risk dive into green energy.
Storm-Ready Resilience
Hurricanes are Florida’s wild card—850 outages from 2008-2017, per Sunrun data, prove it. Leasing companies often bundle batteries (like Tesla Powerwall) with no extra upfront cost, keeping your lights on when the grid quits. It’s a perk tailor-made for the state’s tempestuous coast.
Key Considerations for Leasing Solar Panels in Florida
Ownership Trade-Offs
Leasing’s catch: you don’t own the panels. That 30% federal ITC ($5,100 on a $17,000 system)? It goes to the provider, not you. Same with Florida’s sales tax exemption (6%, or $972 off $16,200) and property tax breaks. You save on bills, but miss the big incentive bucks.
Lease vs. PPA Confusion
Florida law bans third-party residential PPAs—only utilities or self-owned systems get net metering. Leasing sidesteps this with service agreements: you rent the gear, use all the power, and stay grid-tied with FPL credits (1:1, 3-5¢/kWh true-up). Know the terms—escalator clauses (2-3% yearly hikes) can nibble savings.
Home Sale Headaches
Selling a home with leased panels? It’s tricky. Buyers might balk at taking over a 20-year lease, or you’ll need to buy it out—think thousands if early in the term. Top providers offer transfer help, but it’s a hurdle vs. owned systems boosting value (4%, or $12,000 on $300,000, per Zillow).
Maintenance and Warranties
Leasing’s perk: the provider handles upkeep—repairs, monitoring, all covered. Most offer 25-year warranties, matching panel lifespans. But check the fine print—some skimp on service response or charge hidden fees. Florida’s heat and salt demand robust guarantees.
Top 10 Solar Leasing Companies in Florida
1. Solar Prime USA
Location: Hollywood, FL (serves statewide)
Why They’re Top: Solar Prime USA rules Florida’s leasing scene with a “solar service agreement” that’s lease-like perfection—$0 down, fixed payments under utility rates, and a 25-year warranty. Their hurricane-ready systems (140+ mph mounts) and in-house installs fit Davie to Miami. Customers love the savings—bills near zero—and their quick, friendly service. A South Florida star.
2. Sunrun
Location: Nationwide (active in Florida: Orlando, Tampa)
Why They’re Great: Sunrun’s a leasing giant with $0-down plans—BrightSave Monthly locks in low rates, BrightSave Prepaid offers a one-time fee for 25 years. Their Brightbox (Tesla Powerwall) keeps Florida homes lit during outages, backed by a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Service can lag, but their 17-year track record shines.
3. Tesla Solar
Location: Nationwide (serves Florida: Miami, Boca Raton)
Why They’re Great: Tesla’s leasing pairs sleek panels with Powerwall storage—crucial for Florida’s storm season. It’s $0 down, with a 25-year warranty promising 98% output. Pricing’s murky till you sign, and support’s spotty, but their tech edge dazzles Sunshine State techies.
4. Palmetto Solar
Location: Nationwide (serves Florida: Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale)
Why They’re Great: Palmetto blends leases with loans, offering $0-down options and a 25-year workmanship warranty. Their Q Cells panels hit 90% performance (with paid monitoring), ideal for Florida’s sun. They’re transparent on terms, though extra fees can creep in—still, a solid pick.
5. Momentum Solar
Location: Nationwide (active in Florida: South Florida)
Why They’re Great: Momentum Solar brings $0-down leases with a focus on high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, perfect for soaking up Florida’s 5.9 peak sun hours. Their 25-year equipment and workmanship warranties keep systems humming, and they handle all maintenance. Availability varies across the state, and customer service can be hit-or-miss, but their quality installations make them a strong contender for Florida’s coastal homes.
6. Vivint Solar (Now Sunrun)
Location: Nationwide (serves Florida, merged with Sunrun)
Why They’re Great: Before merging with Sunrun, Vivint Solar carved a leasing niche with $0-down plans and door-to-door charm. Now under Sunrun’s banner, they maintain a Florida footprint, offering leases with 25-year guarantees and free upkeep. Their legacy blends with Sunrun’s scale, delivering reliable solar to Sunshine State roofs—though some miss the old personal vibe.
7. Sunnova
Location: Nationwide (serves Florida: Orlando, Miami)
Why They’re Great: Sunnova’s leases start at $0 down, with free maintenance and optional battery add-ons like Tesla Powerwall—key for Florida’s outage-prone seasons. They promise a 25-year warranty and lean into net metering perks (1:1 credits with FPL). They’re less locally focused than some, but their national reach and solid service keep them in the game for Floridians.
8. Trinity Solar
Location: Northeast-based (expanding in Florida: Palm Beach)
Why They’re Great: Trinity’s dipping its 30+ years of solar know-how into Florida with $0-down leases and flexible terms. Their 25-year equipment warranty backs high-efficiency panels, and they handle all repairs. Still growing in the state, their coverage might be spotty, but their experience makes them a reliable pick for Palm Beach County and beyond.
9. Solar Bear
Location: Tampa, FL (serves South Florida)
Why They’re Great: A Florida-born outfit, Solar Bear offers lease-style financing with $0 down, tailored to Tampa and South Florida homes. Their 25-year warranties and local expertise shine in hurricane country, and they’re smaller-scale, so service beats national giants. Customers cheer their affordability and bill cuts—a grassroots gem for the Sunshine State.
10. ProSolar Systems Florida
Location: Serves South Florida (e.g., Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale)
Why They’re Great: ProSolar rounds out the list with lease-like plans—$0 upfront, Tesla Powerwall compatibility, and 24/7 monitoring. Their 30-year guarantees edge out rivals, and they’re built for Florida’s climate—sun and storms alike. Less widespread than nationals, they’re a South Florida standout for custom solar savings.
Tips for Choosing a Solar Leasing Company in Florida
Check Warranty Details
Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt air chew up gear—look for 25-year warranties on panels, inverters, and performance (90%+ output). Sunrun’s bumper-to-bumper deal and ProSolar’s 30-year pledge set the bar. Skimp here, and you’re stuck with a dud when storms hit or panels fade.
Compare Payment Terms
Leasing’s charm is low payments—aim for rates below FPL’s 14-15¢/kWh (e.g., $100-$120/month for a 5.4 kW system). Watch escalator clauses—2-3% yearly hikes are standard but shouldn’t outpace utility increases (3%). Solar Prime USA’s fixed rates and Tesla’s flat fees keep it simple; dig into the fine print.
Battery Backup Options
Hurricanes knock out power—850 outages from 2008-2017 say so. Providers like Sunnova and Tesla bundle batteries (Powerwall, LG Chem) with leases, no extra upfront cost. It’s a must for Florida—ensure it’s included or affordable to add, not a budget-buster down the line.
Local Presence Matters
South Florida’s quirks—HOAs, salty corrosion, storm codes—need local savvy. Solar Bear’s Tampa roots and Solar Prime USA’s Hollywood base get it; national firms like Momentum might miss the mark. Pick a provider with Florida chops for smoother installs and faster fixes.
Exit Strategy Clarity
Leases run 20-25 years—selling your home mid-term can snag. Top companies (Sunrun, Palmetto) offer transfer help or buyout options (e.g., $5,000-$10,000 early on). Ask upfront—avoid surprises when you list that Miami condo or Tampa bungalow.
Conclusion
Florida’s Leasing Edge
Florida’s a solar slam dunk—5.8-5.9 peak sun hours, FPL rates at 14-15¢/kWh begging to be beat, and a climate screaming for green. Leasing flips that into instant savings: $1,700+ yearly off bills, no upfront cash, and storm-ready power with batteries. Solar Prime USA leads with local grit and $0-down deals, but all 10—from Sunrun’s scale to ProSolar’s South Florida soul—deliver. They dodge Florida’s PPA ban with clever service agreements, keeping you grid-tied and credit-rich (1:1 net metering, 3-5¢/kWh true-up).
Where to Start
Jump in—2025’s your year. Snag quotes from Solar Prime USA or Tesla—start with the big dogs. Leasing’s your fast lane to solar savings, no loans, no liens. From Jacksonville’s sprawl to Key West’s edge, Florida’s sun is your paycheck—cash it in, storm-proof your home, and grin a little greener by the Gulf. Your roof’s ready; make it work.