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.

Financing a New Roof: 3 Ways on How to Do It

Financing a New Roof: 3 Ways on How to Do It

Mar 2, 2023

Replacing your old roof with a new, more efficient one can be a huge investment. Then again, delaying it further when your home clearly needs a new one can lead to costly fixes. If you can’t pay for a new roof due to a lack of out-of-pocket funds, know that there are ways you can finance this major home improvement.

What to Consider When Comparing Roofing Warranties

What to Consider When Comparing Roofing Warranties

Feb 15, 2021

Whether you’re working on a new roof construction or a roof replacement, one of the most important factors you should look into is the presence and quality of the warranty or warranties that accompany your new roofing system. Manufacturing warranties protect you from manufacturing defects that can lead to unexpected or premature roof failure. Workmanship warranties are your protection against roof failure or damage caused by installation errors.

These are the features that you should look for if you want a strong and reliable roofing warranty:

Reputable Brand of Products

Reputable manufacturers back their products with reliable warranties that are often comprehensive. These warranties also typically have long coverage, and it’s easier to file against them if problems arise with your roofing system. It’s a good idea to purchase roofing products from known manufacturers.

Licensed and Certified Contractor

It’s also advisable to choose roofing companies that have a long history of excellence over new or inexperienced contractors. The best contractors are licensed to operate in your area, and they are certified by the manufacturers of the products they carry so you can be sure they know what they’re doing. Reputable contractors also often back their workmanship with a separate warranty.

Length of Warranty

The leading roofing material brands include warranties with their products that will cover you for many years to come. Some of their warranties are special, so they’re good for a longer period of time, have more coverage, and might even be transferable should you choose to sell your home.

Warranty Coverage

Learn about the kind of coverage your warranty offers. What are the conditions, the inclusions, and the exclusions? Will your coverage include the labor, or should you get a separate warranty for that? Lastly, find out what things can void your warranty so you know what to avoid. Knowing what you can expect from your warranty can save you from a lot of issues.

Limitations

A lifetime warranty is actually a lifetime “limited” warranty. It might last for as long as the roofing materials are expected to last. Many warranties will cover only a portion of the expected lifespan of the product. 

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors can discuss your roofing warranty with you. We are trusted roofers and home exterior experts. Call us today at (904) 262-6636, or contact us here.

3 FAQs About Roofing Insurance Claims

3 FAQs About Roofing Insurance Claims

Sep 8, 2020

After a storm hits, it is usually the roofing system that sustains the most damage. Even though there are preventive steps you can take, like installing a weather-resistant system, your roof will still be exposed to sharp hail, high winds, torrential rain, and other harsh elements that wear it out. That said, it is crucial to get roof insurance to mitigate losses resulting from roof damage. 

Today, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the roof insurance claims process.

1. What does your roof insurance policy cover: The most efficient way to find out what is covered in your insurance policy is to directly contact your insurance representative. The company considers the age of your roof when determining the extent of roof damage that will be covered. If your roof is less than 10 years old, then it is possible to receive coverage for all storm-damaged roofs. On the other hand, if your roof is more than a decade old, a depreciated value of the damaged roof may be reimbursed to you. Ultimately, the insurance company will send an inspector to assess and verify your claim.

2. How to get a new roof from insurance: If your roof is completely damaged, a roof repair is obviously not going to cut it. This means that a roof replacement is clearly due, and that leaves many people wondering if the insurance company will pay for the expensive costs of a new roof. Make sure to follow the established insurance claims process to avoid delay or refusal of payment from the insurer. Hiring local storm restoration contractors will help you. They will handle all the paperwork and ensure that all damage is accounted for.

3. What should I do if the contractor’s estimate is higher than the adjuster’s: This situation typically occurs when the adjuster misses out on some of the damaged parts of the roofing system. Fortunately, this can be easily resolved by providing the necessary paperwork, measurements, and pictures that depict the extent of damage right after the storm hit. The insurance company will review these documents and send a check for all the additional repairs.

Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is a premier source of home improvement solutions. We work with residential clients and provide roof replacement, siding maintenance, home exterior waterproofing, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636.

The Biggest Tile Roofing Mistakes That Roofers Should Avoid

The Biggest Tile Roofing Mistakes That Roofers Should Avoid

Aug 27, 2020

Installing a tile roof is a challenging task. Aside from working with heavier roofing materials compared to asphalt shingles and metal roofing, ceramic tiles are also more expensive. This means roofers can’t afford to make the following mistakes.

Failing to Check the Building Codes

Some Jacksonville roofers think putting up a tile roof is fine if they’ve already built one before. However, some make the mistake of not checking the building codes. If a new roof is checked, and the inspector discovers that it goes against the local building codes, the homeowner might be fined, and the roof asked to be torn down or modified.

Ignoring Manufacturer’s Specifications.

Reputable roofing experts like us know that putting up a tile roof goes beyond laying them in neat rows. Tile roofing must be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Failing to follow these specifications (placing tiles too close or far, using fewer nails, etc.) can compromise the roof’s ability to perform as advertised, resulting in early repairs or even replacement.

Not Installing Flashing Over Pitch Transitions

Roofers know that flashing should be applied along places where the roof intersects with the wall, but some make the mistake of just using sealant to cover pitch transitions (the parts where the roof changes in steepness). According to our experts, pitch transitions are especially vulnerable to creating leaks so they should be covered by actual flashing strips.

Not Having Ridge Anchors

When roofers forget to add ridge anchors to secure tiles in high-ridge areas, they become more vulnerable to getting knocked off during a storm. 

Get a tile roof that can keep your home protected from the worst weather conditions. Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is the leading roofing company in the area. You can call us at (904) 262-6636 to request a quote.