The Power of the Sun: Why a Solar Roofing System Is a Smart Move for Florida Homes

The Power of the Sun: Why a Solar Roofing System Is a Smart Move for Florida Homes

May 27, 2025

Florida is famous for its beaches, palm trees, and year-round sunshine.  That same sunshine is also one of the state’s most valuable natural resources.  With more than 230 sunny days a year, we are uniquely positioned in Florida to take full advantage of residential solar roofing systems.

A solar roofing system isn’t just a good idea, it’s becoming one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.  Thanks to lower equipment costs, better technology, and strong government support, more families are turning their rooftops into clean energy powerhouses.

Why Florida Is Ideal for Solar Energy

The Sunshine State lives up to its name.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Florida ranked among the top three states for total solar electricity generation in 2023, producing over 14,000 thousand megawatt-hours from utility-scale facilities alone EIA-Florida Profile.  That figure doesn’t even include thousands of homes now generating their own electricity from solar panels.

With high solar potential, moderate year-round temperatures, and rising energy costs, Florida homeowners are reaping big benefits from rooftop solar.

How a Solar Roofing System Works

A solar roofing system includes photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can be used immediately to power your home, stored in a battery system for later, or sent back into the grid through net metering.  In Florida, utilities are required to credit homeowners for any excess energy they produce, helping offset future bills Florida PSC – Net Metering.

Over time, your system can produce enough power to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, your electricity bills.

Savings That Add Up Over Time

The financial return on a solar roofing system is one of the biggest motivators for homeowners.  Electricity costs are rising across the U.S., and Florida is no exception.  The average monthly electric bill in Florida during summer months is around $175–$250 according to EIA data EIA – Electricity Sales & Price.  That’s over $2,000 a year.

Installing solar can lock in your energy costs and protect you from rate hikes for the next 25 years or more.  Many systems pay for themselves in just 7 to 10 years. Beyond that, you’re enjoying almost free electricity.

Big Incentives Make It Even Easier

If you install a solar energy system on your home, you’re eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through the Residential Clean Energy Credit.  This covers not just the panels, but installation and associated equipment costs Energy.gov – Federal Tax Credit.

Florida adds even more savings:

Combined, these incentives can save you thousands right from the start.

 

A Boost in Home Value

Beyond monthly savings, solar roofing systems can increase your home’s resale value. A study from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that homes with solar sold for about $15,000 more than similar homes without solar LBNL – Selling the Sun.

Solar is seen as a modern, energy-efficient upgrade, similar to a kitchen remodel or new windows, but with built-in financial returns.

 

Built for the Future

As more utilities shift toward renewable energy, having your own solar system puts you ahead of the curve. It means less reliance on the grid, lower carbon emissions, and a step toward sustainability. Plus, newer systems are sleek, low-profile, and integrate with modern roofing materials, making them as stylish as they are efficient.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or just take control of your home’s energy use, a solar roofing system makes sense—especially in Florida. With smart policy, generous tax credits, and nearly year-round sunshine, the path to solar has never been more accessible.

At Stonebridge Roofing, Energy & Exteriors, we proudly offer the GAF Timberline Solar™ roofing system, the first nailable solar shingle designed to be part of your roof, not just installed on top of it.

  • Streamlined Design: Timberline Solar™ integrates directly with your roof deck for a sleek, low-profile finish that blends form and function.
  • Durable & American-Made: Engineered for strength, performance, and lasting beauty—built in the USA with industry-leading warranties.

As the future of energy moves toward clean, renewable sources, homeowners who make the switch today are not only investing in their own financial future, they’re helping build a better tomorrow.

What Goes Into Your New Roof’s Overall Cost

What Goes Into Your New Roof’s Overall Cost

Apr 30, 2020

Since an emergency roof repair and replacement can cost you a significant amount, as the homeowner, it’s understandable if you want to know what exactly goes into your new roof’s overall price. While there might be additional costs associated with your roof, there are some common components that make up the majority of the budget.

Materials

Of course, one of the contributing factors to your roof’s overall cost is the materials. These include the shingles, felt, all metals, ridge cap, starter course, fasteners, paint silicone, and even the roof vent. Depending on the quality of these materials, the price of your new roof may vary as a result.

Labor

Apart from the materials, you’ll also be paying for the work that you will be doing to install your roof. According to professionals, the more complex your new roof’s installation is, the higher your labor costs will be. Apart from the installation itself, the tear-off of your old roof is included in the labor costs as well. On the other hand, if your new roof requires the installation of a hard decking, the price will also include the delivery and installation.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Finally, miscellaneous expenses, such as liability insurance, vehicle, and equipment maintenance, building permits, gas, and more are also included in your roof replacement project’s overall cost.

Why Are Estimates Sometimes Different?

When you’re talking to different contractors, you may have noticed that the estimates they give you differ from one another. There are actually various reasons why this is. For instance, the roofing company you’re talking to may be underbidding because they’re new to the industry and are still looking to build up a client base, causing them to offer deals to homeowners. Alternatively, the contractor may not also have an office of their own, allowing them to charge less for the job because there is less overhead. Make your search for experts easier by turning to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote.

The 3 Defining Features of the American Craftsman Home

The 3 Defining Features of the American Craftsman Home

Feb 13, 2020

The Craftsman-style home is still the most popular house style in the country. Although newer ones built today have more variations than their predecessors, it still evokes that atmosphere of American suburbia due to their simple yet charming aesthetics.

But what exactly makes a Craftsman-style home tick? Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors, your roof repair and siding experts, share the key features of the American Craftsman home.

1. Low-Pitched Roofs

Both classic and newer Craftsman-style homes boast low-pitched roofs, with the most common being the gable style. The house covering’s modest aesthetics is widely considered a hallmark of the 1890s ‘revolution’ against the ornate Victorian style that dominated the day. Compared to the latter, these low-pitched roofs have a simple and sleek design that (for many homeowners) is more welcoming than an intricate and often imposing-looking roof.

2. Charming Woodwork

Another defining trait of craftsman-style homes is the intricate woodwork that makes its exterior aesthetic. These range from handmade details and figures that serve as decor to the wooden covering that surrounds the house’s exterior.

Wooden cladding and siding today is a fairly rare things since there are better materials for home exterior waterproofing. You can still achieve a classic Craftsman look with alternative materials like vinyl and engineered wood. The former can be manufactured to look just like wood without its weaknesses, while the latter is a more durable composite material that’s more resilient than simple wooden planks.

3. Windows with Eaves

Finally, Craftsman-style homes are well-known for their large windows with overhanging eaves. The most commonly used styles are double hung and casement, although newer ones tend to have varying styles in one home ranging from picture to both bay and bow windows. The key trait here is the eaves which is another defining feature that separates it from the old Victorian-style model house.

At Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors, we are experts at home exterior renovations. Whether you need a new gable roof installed or are looking for attractive but resilient siding for your Craftsman home, our state-certified construction professionals will make sure your project is done right every time. 

Get in touch with us at (904) 262-6636 to learn more about our roofing, siding, and window services. We are roof repair experts serving homeowners throughout Jacksonville.