Solar in Tampa in 2026: TECO, $2.04/W, and Florida's shortest payback

Tampa is TECO territory, and TECO is the utility where solar numbers work out best in Florida: the most expensive kWh of the three big utilities (18¢ from real bills), the lowest price per watt of the cities we cover ($2.04) and no $30 minimum bill. Estimated payback is 7.52 years. And in Tampa, solar subscription is available. Here is what you need to know.

Which utility serves Tampa, and does 1:1 net metering apply?

Tampa Electric (TECO) serves all of Hillsborough County and parts of Pasco, Pinellas and Polk: about 870,000 customers. It applies 1:1 net metering: in TECO’s words, the surplus you generate goes to the grid and “you will receive a credit based on your current retail energy rate.” Your bill shows kWh Delivered and kWh Received and they net out. The monthly leftover rolls to the next month, and at the end of the calendar year it is paid at the COG-1 rate (PSC Rule 25-6.065). Tier 1 (up to 10 kW AC) pays no fee and needs no insurance; approval takes up to 30 days.

What you always pay is the daily Basic Service Charge plus taxes and franchise fee: there is no $30 minimum bill as at FPL or Duke. That is why we have a real Tampa case with a TECO bill of $13.67 after solar. Full details in TECO: rates and net metering and net metering in Florida.

Heads up: if you are on Energy Planner today (TECO’s time-of-use rate), connecting panels moves you to the standard RS rate; Energy Planner is not available with net metering. Your real savings are calculated against RS, not against what you pay now.

How much does a solar system cost in Tampa in 2026?

EnergySage reports $2.04 per installed watt in Tampa with data from September 4, 2026, below the Florida average ($2.12/W).

Prices and payment options in solar panel cost in Florida 2026. The 30% federal credit for purchases (25D) ended for systems placed in service after 12/31/2025; only 48E for lease/PPA continues through the end of 2027, captured by the third party. Confirm with your tax preparer.

How many sun hours does Tampa get?

Tampa receives 5.2 peak sun hours per day on a fixed-tilt panel, per TurbineGenerator. A peak sun hour is one equivalent hour of full irradiance. A 10 kW system yields on the order of 52 kWh on an average day before losses. Summer afternoon storms cut production from June through September; design uses monthly data.

What is the typical bill in Tampa?

EnergySage reports $302 a month, 1,694 kWh and 18¢/kWh among people requesting solar quotes in Tampa in 2026, the highest of Florida’s three big utilities. TECO’s rate sheet explains why: in January 2026 the per-kWh charges added up to about 15.9¢ before taxes on the first 1,000 kWh, including a 1.995¢ storm surcharge that ended in August 2026. From September through December a kWh drops to about 13.9¢; if your proposal was built on the January rate, real savings are somewhat lower. How to read each line: how to read your TECO bill.

Roof and hurricanes in Tampa

Hillsborough is not in the HVHZ, but the Florida Building Code requires engineer-stamped wind load calculations, and TECO requires its own inspection. The 2024 storms (Helene and Milton) left damaged roofs in the area; a roof repaired with patches is no foundation for 25 years of panels. If the roof has less than 5 years left, roof first. More in solar and hurricanes in Florida.

HOAs in Tampa

In Tampa’s suburbs (New Tampa, Brandon, Riverview) almost everything is HOA. Florida Statute 163.04 prevents prohibiting solar collectors; the association can require architectural approval and set placement without reducing output.

Is solar subscription available in Tampa?

Yes. Our subscription partner operates in the Tampa area with TECO: fixed monthly payment for 3 or 5 years, no credit, debt or lien, no upfront cost, design at 115%, 30% savings guaranteed by contract on the total bill including the minimum charge, free removal at the end and a 10-year roof guarantee afterward. Disqualifiers: tile or metal roof, roof with less than 4 years of life, mobile homes, heavy shade, bill under $100, less than 12 months in the home, need for a battery or an electrical panel upgrade. Details in solar subscription: how it works. In Tampa, with a high bill and a good roof, buying usually saves more long-term; the subscription wins when you want no debt and no upfront investment.

When solar does NOT make sense in Tampa

• You are on Energy Planner and already save with nighttime usage.
• Bill under $100.
• Roof damaged by Helene or Milton and not replaced.
• Heavy shade from oaks on the south face.

What to check before deciding

• That the proposal uses the September 2026 rate (without the storm surcharge).
• Your 12 TECO bills and whether you are on RS or Energy Planner.
• Roof condition after 2024.
• Compare subscription against purchase with the same 12 months.