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State of
Florida promotes solar energy
July 11, 2008
On July 13, 2007, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders aimed at reducing Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and removing market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind. Since then, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies.
In accordance with the executive orders and the 2006 Florida Energy Act, The Florida Solar Energy System Incentive Program provides rebates for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems in homes and businesses.
Incentives are available for solar domestic water heating, solar thermal swimming pool heating systems, Photovoltaic (solar electric PV) systems, and commercial solar water heating systems.
Any resident of Florida who purchases or installs one of these new solar energy systems between now and June 30, 2010, is eligible for a rebate, if they meet one of the following system requirements:
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- A solar photovoltaic system two kilowatts or larger; or
- A solar thermal system that provides at least 50 percent of a building’s hot water consumption; or\
- A solar thermal pool heater
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Additional qualifications for receiving a rebate include:
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1. The system must be installed by a state-licensed master electrician, electrical contractor, or solar contractor.
2. The system complies with state interconnection standards as provided by the commission.
3. The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.
The maximum rebate amount for solar energy systems are as follows:
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Rebate Amounts* |
Residential |
Commercial |
| Solar Photovoltaic System |
$20,000 |
$100,000 |
| Solar Thermal |
$500 |
$5,000 |
| Solar Thermal Pool
Heater |
$100 |
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*see below for further rebate information based upon system type
Florida residents can calculate how much of a rebate they might be eligible for by utilizing the specific information listed below based on system type:
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- Solar thermal swimming pool heaters are eligible for a $100 rebate per system.
- Solar domestic water heaters are eligible for a $500 rebate per system.
- Commercial solar water heating systems are eligible for a rebate of $15 per 1,000 Btu, with a maximum rebate amount of $5,000
- Photovoltaic systems of 2 kilowatts (kW) or larger can qualify for a rebate based on the manufacturer’s power output rating. These systems are eligible for $4 per watt with a residential cap of $20,000 and a $100,000 cap for commercial, publicly-owned, or private non-profit organizations.
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To be eligible for any rebate, the application must be received by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection within ninety (90) days of the purchase of the solar energy equipment. In addition to the application, you will also need to include a photocopy of the original signed purchase agreement showing the installation date, system cost, payment received and system location with a photograph of the installed system.
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For more information on the Florida Solar Energy Incentives Program,
click
here to visit the DEP web site.
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The solar rebate program has been very popular and successful since its inception. It should be noted that the approved $5 million budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 has already been exhausted. However, applications for the next fiscal year continue to be accepted.
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