Florida Overtakes California in Solar Energy Growth
Florida, Sunday, 3 August 2025.
In 2024, Florida surpassed California by adding over 3 gigawatts of solar capacity, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. solar leadership despite having no climate mandate.
A Decisive Shift in National Solar Leadership
In 2024, Florida surpassed California by adding over 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, heralding a pivotal shift in U.S. solar leadership despite the absence of a state-mandated climate policy. This marked Florida as the leader in solar energy growth, surpassing even traditional powerhouses like Texas and California. The state’s success can be attributed to favorable regulatory policies that expedite the development of projects under 75 megawatts (MW), thus reducing costs and construction times [1][2][3][4].
Factors Driving Florida’s Solar Surge
A significant contributor to Florida’s solar expansion is Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) installation, which accounted for more than 70% of the state’s new solar infrastructure in 2024. This expansion was bolstered by a combination of federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level regulatory simplifications [1][3][5]. Moreover, residential solar installations experienced a year-over-year increase by 40%, a trend driven largely by the demand for solar-plus-storage systems in the wake of post-hurricane power outages [5].
New Policies and Economic Implications
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill, which significantly rolled back federal tax credits for solar and wind energy projects. This policy change is projected to cause a 42% decrease in rooftop solar installations in Florida over the next five years, thus shifting focus toward utility-scale projects. Despite these setbacks, utilities in Florida continue to invest heavily in storage solutions, smart grid infrastructure, and system upgrades to accommodate persistent growth and evolving market dynamics [1][2][3].
Future Prospects for Florida’s Solar Market
Looking ahead, Florida’s solar market is poised to maintain its momentum due to the comprehensive Florida Solar For All (FSFA) program, funded by a $156 million Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant. The program targets low- and moderate-income households, providing subsidies for solar systems and energy efficiency upgrades. Notably, these initiatives underscore Florida’s commitment to democratizing solar access and reflect a scalable model for nationwide adaptation [5]. Furthermore, this growth presents profitable investment opportunities, as evidenced by NextEra Energy’s 35% stock surge over the past three years [5].