With all those miles of sandy beaches and groves of orange trees, who could argue with naming Florida the Sunshine State? From Tallahassee to Miami, and at all points in between, Florida has an amazing outdoor environment warmed by the sun. Is there a more perfect location for using solar energy resources? Read on to find out what the Florida legislature is doing to promote clean energy and protect the environment.
State Ligislation
In July 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed two executive orders (EO 126 & 127) calling for Florida to increase its use of renewable energies, including solar power. However, upon backing up this order with some real regulations, Crist has come under fire from his political opponents. Before his tenure, the legislature did manage to pass the Florida Energy Act in 2006. This set aside money for grants and rebates. In particular, the act offers a $0.01/kWh credit to power companies that use renewable energy. This act also established a grant program for corporations and other organizations to research and develop renewable power sources.
Net-Metering
Florida does not have a net-metering policy yet. Utilities get to make it up as they go. There are interconnection standards for systems up to 10kW though. For example, JEA offers net-metering for residential users, but not to commercial customers. The net excess power generated is credited to the customer’s account. On the other hand, the Tallahassee Electric Utility does not compensate customers for net excess power generated at the end of a 12-month billing cycle.
State Incentive Programs
Utility Rebates, Utility Loans, and Utility Incentives.
As part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program offers rebates for individuals or businesses to purchase solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and solar thermal pool heating systems. Solar photovoltaic systems are eligible for a $4/watt rebate, capped at $20,000 for homes and $100,000 for businesses. Solar thermal systems are eligible for a $500 residential rebate or $15/BTU, capped at $5,000 for businesses. Rebates of $100 are also available for solar thermal pool heater installation.
Wanna put in a Solar Energy System in Florida?
Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program Rebate can help. Here is their application and FAQ. This program is HUGE. You can get $5000 for a solar water heater and FOUR DOLLARS A WATT for a photovoltaic solar system. So say the standard home system installed is 3kW, you’re gonna get $12,000 from the state! Match that with the federal $2000 tax credit and you’re looking at a VERY cheap system. (Note: this money is first come first serve. They have $3.5 million allocated).
- If you are a business solar systems and solar water heaters, among other things, are tax exempt.
- SunSmart Schools - Are you a school and you want Florida state money to install a solar power system in your school? The SunSmart program is funded by the state and managed by Florida Solar Energy Center.
- Are you a homebuilder in Florida? Sunbuilt has incentives in the form of rebates for Solar Water heaters, in addition to other services.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems and the components of such systems as certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) are exempt from tax under Section 212.08(7) (hh), F.S. The term "solar energy system" means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring, converting, storing, or using incidental solar energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity.
