Whether you qualify for solar usually comes down to four things: your roof, your electric bill, your ownership situation, and local incentives.

Here’s the quick checklist most installers use:

1. You own the property

• Homeowners qualify most easily.

• Renters usually can’t install rooftop solar unless the landlord agrees.

• Condos and HOAs may have additional rules.

2. Your roof works for solar

A good solar roof typically has:

• Plenty of sun exposure (little shade from trees/buildings)

• South-, west-, or east-facing sections

• Enough usable space

• Roof in decent condition (not near replacement age)

Flat roofs can work too.

3. Your electric bill is high enough

Solar makes the most financial sense if you use a moderate-to-large amount of electricity.
Typical signs:

• Monthly electric bills often over ~$100

• Heavy AC use (common in Florida)

• Electric vehicles, pool pumps, or large households

4. Your utility and local rules allow interconnection

Most utilities do, but the installer checks:

• Net metering availability

• Meter compatibility

• Local permitting

In Florida, residential solar is common and there’s no state sales tax on solar equipment. There’s also a property tax exemption for residential solar improvements. Net metering policies can vary by utility.

Financial qualification

If you finance solar instead of paying cash, lenders usually check:

• Credit score

• Income/debt ratio

• Payment history

Many companies look for scores around the mid-600s or higher, but options vary.

Signs you’re a strong candidate

You’re likely a good fit if:

• You own your home

• Your roof gets lots of sun

• Your electric bill is consistently high

• You plan to stay in the home several years

Signs solar may be difficult

• Heavy roof shading

• Old roof needing replacement soon

• Very low electric usage

• Renting

• HOA or structural restrictions

If you want, I can also help you estimate:

• whether your specific roof is good for solar,

• how much you might save in southwest Florida,

• or what size system you’d likely need based on your electric bill.